Top 8 Thoughtful Essays on the Quote 'To live in life, one must have a heart' (Grade 9)

Life has become increasingly busy, with countless tasks and the whirlwind of worries pulling people along in its current. It seems that no one is truly able to escape this cycle. From dawn until late at night, we work tirelessly and then rest, only to face another monotonous and dull day. Every morning, we wake up tired, burdened by thoughts and anxieties, and in those moments, the calming tune 'Let the Wind Carry It Away' by the late Trinh Cong Son seems to gently remind us of something deeper.

'To live in life, one must have a heart…'

Is he sending us a message about love and sharing? Indeed, we are fortunate to be born with a heart, a gift from God, enabling us to feel and love. Love is a word that seems both familiar and sacred, abstract yet intimate. It is always present in our lives, as poet To Huu once wrote:

'What could be more beautiful in life than this

People living to love one another'

Love is when we do not hesitate to give, whether it is material possessions or deep feelings, love is when we pause for a moment, amidst the rush of life, to see the world from a different perspective. We notice the good things around us, the flowers blooming, the warmth of the fire. Love, though small, is grand—so powerful that life cannot be defined without it. 'Living' means existing, a long process shaped by human actions, during which we encounter both miracles and dark moments. The picture of life is painted with the colors of genuine emotions from the depths of our hearts, and it is only beautiful when adorned with the love shared between people. Love is the glue that binds us, the invisible yet strong bridge that connects hearts. Only with love can we find meaning in life. It is love that allows us to empathize with the suffering of others and mourn the victims of natural disasters. Love is the reason the frail are protected, the hopeless find peace, and lost lives are given direction.

Not everyone is lucky or happy in life. Surely, everyone faces failure, pain, and moments of despair. In those times, a compassionate heart is essential to share the burden and lighten the sadness. Whether it is family, friends, or even strangers, kindness is needed. In today's fast-paced world, where industry has made us rush through life, we must 'slow down, think differently, and love more.' Take a moment to appreciate the beauty around you—admire a blooming flower, listen to birds singing, or enjoy a classical piece. The human soul is like fertile soil that requires the nourishing waters of love to flourish. Only then can we grow in peace, depth, and wisdom.

'A principle that everyone must agree with: a spark of sharing is a spark that spreads, a business coin is a coin that generates profit, lips must part to receive a smile, and hands must open to give to make the soul overflow with joy' (Hai Bien Ho). I have witnessed a university student, from a wealthy family, remove their coat and give it to an elderly woman selling goods in the cold winter. Or a child who always carries an extra pair of gloves for a friend who doesn't have any. Or the heroic story of Nguyen Tien Nam, who sacrificed his life to save two children from drowning. Do you know the woman in 'The Boat on the Far Side' by Nguyen Minh Chau? She is strong—not because her body endures the beatings of her husband, but because her strength lies in her forgiveness, compassion, and her willingness to bear everything for her children who are always hungry.

There are also philanthropists, charity programs that travel the country, helping those in need. It is common that where there is a winner, there are many losers; where there is wealth, there are many poor. But one thing is certain: where there are many people willing to sacrifice for others, there will only be winners and rich people. True happiness comes when you dare to give, not hold on tightly. Share your love with the world, just as Trinh Cong Son said, because all flowers scatter with the wind, but only the fragrance of virtuous people lasts through time.

Unfortunately, there are still those who live indifferently, without empathy, and unwilling to help others—this is something to be criticized. We live only once, so let us cherish and love one another. It is regrettable when we lose something, but it is often difficult to recognize what we have while it’s still in our grasp. Time will pass, but human connection will remain. It is a powerful force, a precious happiness that brings people closer in this life.

A day has 24 hours, eight hours for work, eight hours for sleep, and eight hours for play and meals. Without love, life would be so dull. Take some time to love, and you will see how beautiful life truly is. Material wealth may one day be abundant, but love is always in short supply. As Trinh Cong Son said:

'Thank you, life, for waking me up this morning,

For giving me another day to love.'

(Trinh Cong Son)

'To live in life, one must have a heart... to let the wind carry it away.' These lyrics from the talented late musician Trinh Cong Son continue to resonate in our busy lives. Yes, letting the wind carry away our troubles and pains can help us share and understand one another. It's not just adults who should embrace this philosophy—children too need to be taught compassion. The story of a four-year-old quietly sitting on the lap of a neighbor who just lost his wife makes us reflect on our moral responsibilities and reminds us of a beautiful way of living that must stay alive in humanity.

The beauty of human kindness is like a shining diamond among metals. The innocent empathy and the genuine sharing from the pure heart of the little boy in this story remind us of the importance of how we treat each other. People often say that life is imperfect, containing both good and evil, beauty and ugliness… We must always strive for the good to shine. Sharing and empathy bring joy to others, uplift their spirits, and make life more meaningful. When sharing and empathizing, it should be done with a sincere heart, selflessly, so that our character is truly complete, without causing harm to anyone.

Even after achieving success and fame, American billionaire Bill Gates never forgot his responsibility to help those less fortunate. He is admired for his generosity, donating the majority of his wealth to the poor while leaving only a small portion to his children. However, the priceless legacy his children inherited is not just wealth, but the compassion and integrity of their father. There is something to be revered above all else: the heart. Bill Gates is a person like that!

During the dark years of colonialism, Ho Chi Minh sacrificed his personal life to lead the nation toward independence and freedom, an era of prosperity for the Vietnamese people. Despite his immense leadership, he never displayed superiority over his people and comrades. He lived a simple life, always close to the people. His genuine empathy and selflessness created the image of Ho Chi Minh as a great leader in the hearts of the Vietnamese people. We call him 'Uncle Ho,' a term of affection and simplicity, because he embodied love and sacrifice for the nation.

Let’s take a moment to consider those with noble hearts who truly embody the spirit of sharing. Unfortunately, there are those who claim to share but do so for selfish motives. There have been instances where celebrities perform in charity concerts to help orphans but demand payment. Some subordinates offer gifts to wealthy superiors—what is the true intention behind such actions? Is it sharing or seeking personal gain?

Our tradition has always sung the folk song 'When the fabric covers the mirror, people in the same country must love each other.' This timeless value becomes especially evident during disasters when families are devastated, yet countless hands reach out to offer support without expectation. In the days before Tết (Lunar New Year), the government allocates funds to help the poor, which is a noble gesture. Yet, there are individuals who take advantage of the situation, stealing from those in need. Such actions trample on our human values. A person who cannot share is emotionally disabled. Nature has gifted us with a heart, and a heart, if looked at a certain way, resembles a flame—a flame that warms human hearts.

The innocent and warm heart of the little boy in the story is a lesson for all of us on how to treat one another in life. The heart that shares selflessly is like a warm ember that shines brightly amidst the cold winter. Living with love and a willingness to share, unconditionally, helps us become better individuals and perfects our character.

As society continues to advance, people find themselves caught up in their personal struggles, becoming increasingly detached and less considerate of those around them. Life’s burdens and responsibilities have created a gap between individuals, making the quote 'To live in life, one must have a heart' more relevant than ever in today's world.

Here, 'a heart' refers to love, kindness, empathy, and the beautiful acts we share with one another. Right after this line, Trinh Cong Son, the legendary composer, asks a profound question: 'Do you know why? / To let the wind carry it away.' This implies that true generosity lies in giving without expecting anything in return—goodness is truly valuable when it is selfless and without any ulterior motives.

We are constantly racing against the clock, chasing after survival and material wealth, often forgetting that we are part of a community that thrives on love and shared experiences. In the busy streets of Hanoi, for instance, try slowing down for a moment, listening to a friend—or even a stranger—sharing their story, and you will find your heart lightened. Helping someone less fortunate than yourself, receiving their smile and gratitude, will undoubtedly make your day brighter.

The proverb 'A leaf shields a torn leaf' is a precious way of living passed down through generations. Today, many programs on media bring joy and support to those in need, such as 'Because You Deserve It,' 'A Heart for You,' and 'Lighting Up Dreams.' Running these programs is no easy feat, but with compassionate hearts and a love for humanity, those behind the scenes persist, fueled by the desire to help others. Additionally, in many streets of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, you can find charity food stalls, donation boxes, and clothing donations, all born from the kindness of people.

As the saying goes, 'The coldest place is not the North Pole, but a place without love.' Sadly, there are those who exploit tragedies, such as accidents or drownings, to create viral videos for entertainment, with no thought of offering help. Some passersby may ignore the beggar selling flowers or the elderly homeless person. This indifference is a growing concern in today’s society.

'To live in life, one must have a heart' represents an ideal attitude—an outlook on life that everyone should adopt. Give without expecting anything in return, selflessly and without calculations, for only then will your good deeds truly be cherished.

On a cold winter afternoon in Hanoi, I was warmed by the melody of a song by the late composer Trinh Cong Son: 'To live in life, one must have a heart.' The song seemed to drift from a nearby café, resonating deeply within me. What message was this legendary 20th-century artist trying to convey through these profound lyrics? Could it be about the love between people?

'To live in life, one must have a heart' – these simple words hold a profound significance. The 'heart' that Trinh Cong Son speaks of refers to love, care, empathy, and the genuine willingness to share and help others. The song encourages us to live with a heart that is open to giving, without expecting anything in return. True kindness is only valuable when it is given selflessly, with no ulterior motive. And in doing so, each of us receives love in return. When we give love from the heart, we are met with love.

Have you ever wondered what life would be like without love? From ancient times to the present, human life has always been marked by love. But what if one day, people no longer cared for or shared with one another? The world would be devoid of laughter and warmth. It would be a place of coldness and desolation. Russian writer M. Gorky once said, 'The coldest place is not the North Pole, but a place where there is no love.' Without love, who would we turn to when we stumble? Without love, who would we share our joys with? Without it, we become no different than inanimate objects, living in indifference, detached from one another, driven only by logic and materialism. Life would become lonely and hollow. That is why 'To live in life, one must have a heart' is so important.

Love, care, and sharing are noble emotions in human life. They are sacred feelings that come from the sincere and voluntary heart of each person. These emotions make life warmer and happier. A simple word of sympathy from a friend during a difficult time can restore faith in life. The smile of parents toward each other fills a home with love. When we offer our hearts to others, we create a sense of empathy and closeness. That’s why we shed tears for the victims of natural disasters like the Indonesian tsunami or the Sichuan earthquake in China.

The distance between people of different ethnicities, skin colors, and religions is shortened through love, care, and empathy. When we use our hearts to understand others, we gain priceless things that money cannot buy. The love and compassion of people is a guiding light that awakens the human spirit. The convict Jean Valjean, after just one meeting with Bishop Myriel, was transformed and followed the path of virtue for the rest of his life. When he died, he left behind the noble philosophy: 'The only thing in life is love.' If you’ve read O. Henry’s 'The Last Leaf,' you’ll never forget the image of the ivy leaf, resilient and green after a snowstorm. The fragile yet courageous leaf awakened Johnsy’s will to live. The leaf, a masterpiece of love, was painted by the artist Behrman, who risked his life to create it during a blizzard. That leaf is an enduring symbol of love.

Our ancestors taught us: 'A healthy leaf shelters a torn one,' and 'When one horse suffers, the whole herd suffers.' The love between people is a precious tradition in our culture. This tradition continues to thrive today. In modern media, many charitable programs bring joy and benefits to those in need, such as 'Lighting Up Dreams,' 'A Heart for You,' and 'Tet for the Poor.' I’ve often cried watching families reunite after years of separation in the program 'As If There Had Never Been a Goodbye.' I wonder what motivates the producers of this show to overcome countless challenges and hardships to reunite lost family members. It is love, care, and sharing that drive them to create these moving reunions, healing the wounds of war and reconnecting the bonds of happiness.

In today’s world, many people live in indifference and irresponsibility. Some people are so overwhelmed by time constraints that they don’t have the opportunity to care for others. Others chase after money and fame, trampling on those around them to achieve their ambitions. Some young people, living in relative comfort, fail to understand the value of life and are indifferent to others, focusing only on self-indulgence. As a result, modern society is plagued by a new epidemic: apathy and narcissism. While this is only a small group, they contribute to the coldness in society.

To live in life, one must have a heart. Give love, and you will receive love in return. Love, care, and sharing can be expressed in the simplest, most ordinary ways. Just asking your grandparents or parents how they’re doing shows your concern. Helping an elderly person across the street or sharing your meager breakfast with a beggar also reflects your love. Live with love, starting with your eyes, words, and actions. There’s a story about a boy who, in anger, ran into the forest and yelled, 'I hate people.' To his surprise, the forest echoed back, 'I hate people.' Terrified, he ran back and cried in his mother’s arms, telling her the story. His mother took his hand and led him back into the forest, asking him to say, 'I love people.' To his amazement, the forest echoed back, 'I love people.' Life is a simple law: 'Give love, and you will receive love.' Live with love, care, and sharing, and you will be rewarded with the same in return.

In his song, Trịnh Công Sơn reminds us that 'To live in life, one must have a heart.' The 'heart' referenced here symbolizes the noble and admirable emotions found within every individual—emotions like empathy, care, and love for others.

We can easily spot these expressions of love in our everyday lives. So, what does it mean for someone to live with a heart? A loving person is one who knows how to empathize, share what they have, and offer kindness. What they share isn’t just material things but also spiritual values. These small yet meaningful actions—like a comforting glance, a warm smile, or words of encouragement during tough times—are the hallmarks of a person who truly lives with 'a heart.'

A person full of love for life does not limit their compassion to humans alone; they extend their care to all living beings. They value the life of every creature, delighting in the bloom of a flower, feeling discomfort when someone harms nature, and experiencing sorrow when they witness a small bird nearing its end. Therefore, someone living with 'a heart' will offer love to all life, not just to humans.

Through the words 'To live in life, one must have a heart,' Trịnh Công Sơn emphasizes the profound importance of love in human life. When we live with 'a heart,' we give and receive countless blessings. A person who expresses love through actions—such as offering help or words of encouragement—becomes a source of strength for others, enabling them to overcome challenges and hardships.

Clearly, living with a heart holds great significance. Life itself is full of contrasting moments. We have times of happiness, success, and good fortune, but who can guarantee that our path to happiness will always be smooth and easy? There are inevitable obstacles, hardships, and setbacks along the way. During these times, when people receive love, care, and support, they find the strength to endure and rise above these challenges, even if they don’t have material help.

There are many real-life stories that embody the message of 'living with a heart.' One such story from December 2017, in Thanh Hóa, warmed the hearts of many despite the cold winter weather. The story tells of Nguyễn Thị Phương and Huỳnh Quốc Tín, a couple who traveled over a thousand kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City to the remote mountainous region of Mường Lát to help a little girl named Pàng.

Pàng, a six-year-old girl from a poor family with paralyzed legs, was discovered through a viral video that showed her sitting in the freezing cold, unable to move. Moved by her plight, Tín and Phương decided to bring her to Ho Chi Minh City for medical treatment, offering her the chance to walk again.

Thanks to the compassion shown by this couple, Pàng now walks on her own, after six years of being confined to the ground. Though they were strangers, their love and actions created a brighter future for Pàng, offering her the opportunity to step into life like other children. This is a clear example of someone living with 'a heart'—using their heart to bring happiness to others.

The song by Trịnh Công Sơn, along with real-life stories, demonstrates the powerful role of compassion in life. A life lived with 'a heart' is a truly beautiful way of living, and it is a quality we all should strive for. By understanding the importance of love, each of us should learn to show care for others through small acts of kindness.

Sharing is not only about material possessions but also about offering emotional support. These actions don’t need to be grand; sometimes a smile, a kind glance, or a hug can say more than words. Start with those around you. Have you ever shared household tasks with your mother, or had a heartfelt conversation with your father? Or helped your friends with their studies or activities?

Great things come from small acts. At the same time, we must denounce selfish behaviors, indifference, and apathy in society to make the world a better place. 'A heart' for life is about how we open ourselves to the world.

The lyrics of Trịnh Công Sơn’s song have helped us understand the profound meaning of 'hearts' in life. In a society where both good and bad coexist, eliminating negative behaviors is difficult. However, if we choose to spread love, perhaps that very love can transform the negative into something beautiful. We only have one life to live, so let’s make it meaningful, filled with the warmth of love.

The writer M. Gorky once said: 'The coldest place is not the Arctic, but where love is absent.' This quote makes us reflect on the love between people and the responsibility humans have to show love to others. On this subject, musician Trinh Cong Son shared his perspective through the song, 'Let the Wind Carry Us Away.'

'To live in life, one must have a heart.'

'Do you know why, my dear?'

'To let the wind carry it away.'

(Song: Let the Wind Carry Us Away)

If we compare each person to a fruit, then 'the heart' is the sweet, rich seed inside that fruit. The heart symbolizes the care, the sharing of love with those around us, feeling empathy and compassion for the struggles and misfortunes of others. Through this line in his song, Trinh Cong Son conveys to us an important message about how to live rightly. To live a meaningful life, we must love, care for, encourage, and empathize with others, so that our lives become happier, more beautiful, and full of meaning.

Why must we 'live in life with a heart'? Our ancestors often said, 'Each tree has its own flowers, each house has its own story.' While some live lives of comfort, happiness, and peace, others are born into difficult circumstances, facing poverty, hardship, and even tragedy.

We are born into families where our parents care for us, and we grow up in good health. These are things everyone hopes for. However, not everyone enjoys such privileges. For some, daily necessities such as food, clean water, and clothing are far from guaranteed. The leftover rice that we waste could be the very meal the poor would wish for.

In cold winters, some people have nothing but a thin jacket to protect them from the biting cold. Orphans, wandering the streets, face the world with little hope. Even more tragic are those who are disabled or born with congenital defects, unable to enjoy the same health as others. These people face physical and emotional hardships and are in dire need of care and protection. Nadimetlec once said, 'Listen to the sorrow of the dry branch, the tired bird, the coldest planet, but first, listen to the sorrow of human beings.'

There are so many less fortunate souls around us. For this reason, we 'must have a heart,' a sincere heart, always ready to help and share love with others. What we take for granted every day may be a longing and a desperate wish for some others.

'Living in life with a heart' means that when we love, care for, and look after others, our lives will be much more meaningful and beautiful. Human love is infinite. Let’s give each other the best and most sincere, like a dandelion that spreads its seeds in the wind, spreading life wherever it goes. When we do good deeds and love others, our souls feel at peace and joyful. Don’t ever think that you won’t receive anything in return, because in reality, the joy, happiness, and comfort we receive from helping others are priceless.

A Vietnamese proverb goes:

'A gourd, please love the pumpkin,

Though different, they share the same vine.'

The love between people is the foundation of all good things in life. Love helps plants grow, pushing them beyond the cold and suffering, while giving life and strength to everything. The bad and evil in the world exist because love is absent, often overshadowed by worries, selfishness, and narrow-mindedness.

Vietnam is a country with a long tradition of humanitarianism. Even during the feudal era, we knew of the kindness of people like the great physician Le Huu Trac. He was a doctor with immense compassion, who once treated a poor boy suffering from a severe case of smallpox. The boy’s body emitted a foul odor, and each time Dr. Trac examined him, he had to leave his clothes outside and stuff cotton in his nostrils to ease the smell. Yet, he continued to visit the boy for months, providing treatment until the boy was fully healed. Not only did he refuse any payment, but he also gave the boy’s family rice, firewood, and oil. We are moved by Le Huu Trac’s compassion, as he overcame every obstacle to heal the sick without asking for anything in return.

Human love continues to thrive today through charitable organizations, foundations, and philanthropists. These individuals provide material support to the poor, help those affected by natural disasters, and assist children in need. These are acts that demonstrate the love between people, a love that transcends all circumstances and societies.

Human love is simple yet profound, warm and genuine. Yet, in our daily lives, we still encounter people who lack the ability to love others. There are those who neglect their own parents, feeling burdened by the need to care for them. And even towards strangers, some show indifference, selfishness, and apathy toward others' hardships. As the saying goes:

'Sometimes, on the busy road of life,

We pass each other by.'

'Indifference' is a coldness toward those with unfortunate fates. These actions and attitudes are criticized and despised. Furthermore, love must be shown at the right time, in the right way. Some people express their love by donating excessively, which may deplete their own finances and make others reliant on charity, leading them to think that they should depend on handouts to survive.

Through the lyrics of Trinh Cong Son, we understand the meaning and responsibility of loving and caring for others. Let us live meaningful lives, always loving and caring for those around us, feeling compassion for those suffering, and offering a helping hand to lift others over life’s difficulties. As young people, we should first be responsible to our families and loved ones, showing love and care from the smallest, simplest tasks. Then, we must be generous and compassionate toward everyone, participating in charity, volunteer work, and spreading love everywhere we go, as this will make our lives more meaningful and allow us to become valuable members of society.

Everyone is born with a heart, and we should keep that heart warm, full of love for others, living for one another, 'living with a heart,' so that we may all come closer together. As poet To Huu once said, 'People love people to live loving one another.'

I still remember the famous lyrics by Trịnh Công Sơn: 'To live in life, one must have a heart. Do you know why? To let the wind carry it away...' He implied that with just a small heart, humans can surpass other creatures. If we look at life through that lens, and live by that principle, the answer is clear: Humans live with Love and Responsibility. Some commentary might surprise us, as the author's obvious intention is quickly turned around, replaced by a completely new understanding. Indeed, most readers of this poem would admire the poet, as it carries subtle meanings, often full of poignant, hidden messages. How do people live together? How do we live together? How do we truly live together?

Scrolling through blogs of Trịnh Công Sơn fans, the quote 'To live in life, one must have a heart... Do you know why?... To let the wind carry it away' seems to echo everywhere. Just a few days ago, I was browsing through a friend's blog, and I found the same quote again: 'To live in life, one must have a heart...' I’ve seen many others mention this poetic line. It made me think—people are living with such heartfelt intentions these days. Everyone seems to remind themselves and others that living requires a heart. Whether or not we know what this heart is for, perhaps it’s just meant to be carried away by the wind.

Though I am a fan of Trịnh Công Sơn’s music, I must admit that I often don't fully understand his words. Sometimes, when I read others' reflections or hear my friends' explanations, I suddenly realize the true meaning. There are moments when I think, perhaps it’s better not to understand everything; if everything were clear, it wouldn’t be as romantic anymore. I've grown fond of things that are unclear, things that are misty, like the fog, like the wind...

Trịnh Công Sơn constantly reminded himself to live with a heart—his heart dedicated to beauty, love, life, and friendship. I never met him, and I might not truly understand him, but reading articles and memoirs about him, I believe he was a good person, a man with a big heart. Yet, there's a small part of me that remains skeptical, though I truly don’t want to feel this way. But as a philosopher once said, 'You may doubt everything, but you must never doubt that you are doubting.' So, if I feel doubt, it is simply a natural part of life...

Though I express this doubt, it’s not meant as disrespect to an elder, to one of the greatest musicians in Vietnam’s musical history. His talent and heart are expressed through love songs that praise romantic love, life, and human connection, songs that have touched generations of Vietnamese people. Most of my friends speak of him with great respect, admiration, and without any doubt. I too hold him in high regard. As a person, I truly believe he had a heart...

I know that deep within every human being is a natural tendency toward goodness and an open heart. However, sometimes, for various reasons, people stray, seduced by desires, and lose themselves without even realizing it. Tonight, I watched Spider-Man 3, and the closing line of the movie warmed my heart: 'Remember, even when you're in trouble, when you're suffering, you always have choices. And among those choices, you can always choose the path that brings you back to who you truly are.' Sometimes, the right choice comes with a heavy price, as Harry learned through his mistakes. My friend and I both said aloud that we need to live with a heart. That heart might not be for anyone else, it might just be carried away by the wind. But I understand that my friends truly want to have an authentic heart.

However, this is just talk, just words, and it sounds so simple. 'We need to have a heart,' they say, to prove they are romantic and sincere. I can show others that I always have a heart ready for those around me, to let it drift with the wind, perhaps spreading fragrance to everyone. I believe that those who truly seek a heart do so with sincere intentions. But some people who utter these words, 'To live in life, one must have a heart,' I’ve witnessed, tend to have thoughts that seem practical and devoid of true human compassion. These are the people around me, perhaps close friends or mere acquaintances, and seeing their actions and thoughts, I realize how hollow their 'heart' truly is.

Trịnh Công Sơn, you left behind so many beautiful, soul-stirring songs for the Vietnamese people. Your romantic lyrics, awakening the humanity in each of us, will forever be remembered. But do you know, sometimes, your lyrics have become the hollow words of some, a romantic ornament meant to show off. You probably never wanted this, but the reality remains. Today, some people use your words to polish their own image. Whether it comes from their heart or not, no one knows. But if someone truly has a heart, they wouldn’t need to constantly say 'I need to have a heart...'

There are silent hearts that I know. Like the heart of a journalist who worries about the fates of others, a heart that adopted two children from unfortunate circumstances. Or the heart of a family that cares for the mentally ill... There are countless other silent hearts in our society. I never see these hearts shouting, 'I need to have a heart...'. Because a true heart speaks from the soul.

And just when I read someone else's reflection, I see once again 'To live in life, one must have a heart...'. Maybe tomorrow I’ll change my status to 'To live in life, one must have a heart...'.

In ancient times, before life began to thrive, when creatures rested peacefully under the sun's rays, humans were being formed. God, with meticulous care, shaped humanity both in form and spirit. In doing so, He created something essential to the soul—compassion. This compassion connects people, friendship, and family. It is the compassion we often sing about in the lyrics of Trinh Cong Son:

“To live in this life

One must have a heart

For what purpose? Do you know?

To let the wind carry it away”

This song raises a profound question: What is the heart? The heart is the deep, sincere affection we have for those we cherish or admire. It is the heart that is capable of sharing, empathizing, and helping others in times of need. Trinh Cong Son asks: “For what purpose? Do you know?” Indeed, we all need a heart, but how many truly understand its purpose? What can our hearts bring to the world? He poses the question and also provides the answer: “To let the wind carry it away.” This metaphor suggests that the heart, like the wind, can spread far and wide, reaching distant horizons, offering hope and strength to those facing adversity. The simple words of his song encompass a vast, profound meaning—the heart is what makes life and the world more beautiful for both ourselves and others.

Today, many of us are caught in the chase for material wealth, swept up in the relentless flow of time. We labor tirelessly in pursuit of money, only to realize that once we acquire it, we feel empty and unfulfilled. Day after day, the cycle repeats. If we close off our hearts and act solely for self-interest, we find ourselves tangled in invisible threads, making life unnecessarily complex. Why not focus on building meaningful relationships, opening our hearts, and sharing them with those around us? In doing so, we may find peace and comfort. Life becomes beautiful and meaningful when we live with an open heart. As poet To Huu once said:

Nothing in life is more precious

Than people living to love each other

The heart, like love, embodies the essence of human connection. Life only holds meaning when we give our hearts to others. A child once said: “Sharing the heart makes us bigger; keeping it to ourselves makes us smaller.” This truth teaches us that when we share our hearts, we uplift the unfortunate and bring joy into our own lives. An example of this is the company Vinamilk, which has repeatedly helped children in need by donating milk and love, showing them that there are people who care and support their dreams. This is the heart. It is not only our heart but the collective heart of all people.

When God decides to bless humanity, He does so with the knowledge that the gift will benefit all people. The heart is what makes us human, setting us apart from animals. Deer may have maternal love, but they do not possess the human heart. We have been given this great gift—so why not preserve and cultivate it rather than destroy it? Today’s students often engage in petty conflicts, dividing into factions and causing harm. What do they gain? Only scars, wounds, and tears from their loved ones. Why not solve problems with the heart? With the virtues of generosity and tolerance, we can turn conflict into something beautiful. Others have used their hearts to achieve greatness in life—so why can’t we? By opening our hearts gradually and embracing change, we too can become better. Time will help us refine our hearts, making them more perfect.

Let us allow our hearts to be carried by the wind, to share our love with everyone, just like the song says:

“To live in this life, one must have a heart

For what purpose? Do you know?

To let the wind carry it away”