1. Reference Essay 4

2. Sample Reference 5
We all crave happiness, but what exactly is happiness? How do we understand it correctly? This question is similar to one asked by Karl Marx's daughter, who once inquired, "What is your understanding of happiness?" Marx, the great leader of the working class, dedicated his life to the fight for workers' rights. He answered, "Happiness is struggle." This short statement from Marx has greatly helped us understand the true essence of happiness.
Each person has their own concept of happiness. Every society and class views happiness differently. For the exploiting class, happiness is found in wealth and power, a happiness that is paid for with the suffering of honest people. The laughter of characters like Nghị Quế and Bá Kiến, who enrich themselves at the expense of the poor, haunts us. The painful image of Chí Phèo losing his happiness with Thị Nở leaves us with many questions. Once a strong and humble man with dignity, Chí became a monster, losing everything, including his right to be human and to pursue happiness. His tragic end is symbolic of the struggle for happiness in a society where the powerful trample on the weak, a society that values personal happiness above all else.
"Happiness is struggle." Marx's answer to his daughter is simple, yet it encapsulates a profound truth. For those who live responsibly—towards themselves, their families, and society—happiness lies in the collective good. They find happiness in the battle to overcome obstacles, fighting against injustice, and striving for a better, fairer world. Through struggle, people grow, finding joy in bringing happiness to others. Revolutionaries, who fought for their country and sacrificed their lives, gave us peace and prosperity.
However, the pursuit of happiness is not easy. Happiness does not come easily; one must fight against personal challenges and societal barriers. As modern youth, we cannot believe that happiness lies in material possessions or fleeting pleasures. True happiness comes from fighting for the greater good, for justice, and for the freedom of others. Let us not fall into the trap of thinking that happiness can be found in trivial pleasures.
"Happiness is struggle" is a universal truth. But life is complicated, and many struggles are fraught with suffering. Some, in their pursuit of truth and justice, face hardships and even injustices. Yet, with faith, these challenges can be overcome, and happiness can be restored. We must believe in ourselves and in the power of our struggles to build a better, fairer society.
The words of Marx to his daughter are not mere teachings but a guide for the youth of today. As society progresses and living standards improve, we must know how to fight against evil and injustice to secure a brighter future.

3. Sample Reference 6

4. Reference Example 7

5. Reference Example 8

6. Reference Article No. 9

Reference Article 1
It has been said that: "When facing hardship, one should focus on happiness and strive for it. In doing so, they will escape from their misery and attain happiness." Life is not always filled with happiness; there are moments when we just want to end it all out of sheer boredom. But should we really do that? Life is not always a bed of roses, and if we don't push through the challenges, we will never experience true happiness. Life would seem meaningless without the harsh trials we face. Without these challenges, we wouldn't know who we are or what we're contributing to this world. The wheel of fate keeps turning, sometimes cruelly. In this cycle, struggle becomes essential for finding happiness. This aligns with C. Marx's view expressed in the statement: "Happiness is struggle."
First, we must understand what "happiness" truly means. Is it simply fulfilling our desires, achieving the results we expect, or being loved by others? Happiness is a very abstract concept. If you ask what happiness is, each person will have a different answer. Happiness comes and goes quickly, often before we even have a chance to experience it. People always want to be happy, but happiness differs from person to person, and everyone seeks it through their own path. Now, what does "struggle" mean? Struggle is about being courageous and overcoming our own weaknesses, daring to face challenges in order to reach a brighter future. Difficulties are inevitable in life, but the best way to overcome them is to face them head-on. There will be times when challenges push you back, but failure comes when you give up. If you keep pushing forward, you will achieve the success you desire. To persist until success, you need one crucial factor: the ability to rise from failure and continue fighting for success. That is happiness through struggle.
So, the essence of this saying is that we must struggle through all difficulties to achieve happiness. Happiness becomes real only when we struggle against evil, injustice, and forces that hinder societal development. C. Marx's statement carries deep humanistic meaning. He believed that happiness is struggle because the history of humanity has always been in motion, constantly evolving towards improvement. Human society’s history is marked by class struggles, where opposing classes conflict over economic interests. Ultimately, these struggles aim for a better society, benefiting the majority. Struggle for progress means outdated and harmful systems will be replaced by better, more refined ones. As society improves, so does the happiness of its people. When humans struggle against nature—such as battling storms, floods, or droughts—to overcome harsh conditions and turn them into benefits for humanity, that is when true happiness is felt. Therefore, happiness is tied to struggle, but before we struggle against societal challenges, we must first fight against the negatives within ourselves. We need to improve ourselves before we can tackle society.
Marx’s quote is based on the principle of contradiction and unity, a core idea in philosophy, where struggle is the transformation that arises from conflict. This process is a motion of contradictions: when something new emerges, the old must be replaced. Inside each of us, there are two conflicting elements: emotion and reason. These two forces fight within us, and only when they reconcile can we make a decision to follow either emotion or reason. For instance, as final exams approach, your parents invite you to a family trip to Ha Long Bay. You face a dilemma: if you stay home to study, you will likely do well in the exam, but you’ll miss the chance to travel. If you go, you risk neglecting your studies, which could lead to poor grades. So, you must struggle within yourself between studying and going on the trip. If you achieve high marks, your parents will be proud of you, and you’ll feel satisfied with your success. If you choose to study, you reach your goal and experience happiness through this struggle.
Thus, C. Marx’s saying, "Happiness is struggle," is absolutely true. Happiness comes when we struggle. Sometimes, we may fail in our struggle, but these failures teach us valuable lessons for future struggles. We must strive to succeed in our first attempt, doubling the joy of happiness. Happiness can be simple, like a small gift or a kind word, but it can also be profound. No one fully understands how each person experiences happiness. However, one thing is clear: we feel the happiest when our nation is liberated and completely independent. Only then can we focus on our own happiness.
From this, we can apply Marx's saying to practical life. As a student, I must strive to learn well, apply my knowledge for the betterment of society, and contribute to making the country more prosperous. In the struggle for progress, we must approach it scientifically and effectively.

Reference Article 2
Happiness is a profound feeling that resonates deeply in both the heart and mind. It brings peace because of its simplicity and sincerity, yet its greatness lies in its inherent value.
As a child, did you ever write an essay explaining the phrase, "Happiness is a struggle"? I spent a lot of time thinking about it, yet my essay didn't earn a high grade! It wasn't until I experienced life that I truly understood—happiness is indeed a struggle. And the hardest struggle is conquering oneself in pursuit of the fullest happiness.
In life, we all claim to experience happiness at some point. Some say happiness is when we achieve our desires, get what we want, or find pleasure in things we enjoy. Others believe happiness lies in the pain of waiting for something, or in the anticipation itself. Some argue that happiness comes from having something to do, someone to love, or something to hope for, something to dream about. But few understand what happiness truly means, or the idea that happiness is a struggle, as Karl Marx once shared with his daughter.
So what exactly is happiness?
This question is indeed difficult to answer. At first, it seems simple, but when you try to answer it, the definition becomes vague and elusive. Happiness is unique to each person, and no one can define it with precision. According to the dictionary, happiness is described as a state of complete bliss. For many, happiness feels distant and unattainable. It’s not just those with some form of deficiency who feel unhappy; even those who seem to have it all—wealth, property, and luxury—still don't find happiness, because they continue to desire more. In contrast, for many, happiness is simple. Sometimes, it is the quiet joy of achieving something monumental, but other times it is the small, everyday moments—a warm cup of tea on a cold night, or a hand wiping away tears. Happiness comes suddenly and can vanish just as quickly, leaving a sense of emptiness. It may appear unexpectedly, and by the time we recognize it, we are already "happy".
Happiness brings a unique, indescribable feeling, a sense of joy so deep that no words can do it justice. It can soothe the deepest pain, but often only for a fleeting moment. But sometimes, happiness is about the journey itself—the pursuit of it. For me, happiness is the gift from a mother, the joy of school, and strolling down a quiet street, waiting for something fragile and profound. It's the peace that comes from a smile, the warmth of letters from friends and family when I am far away, and the hope that drives me to pursue my dreams. Happiness is fragile, yet infinite.
Have you ever seen elderly people in a nursing home? They find immense joy just from having someone talk to them. Or children, whose faces light up with happiness when they receive treats. For many poor people, happiness is simply having enough money to survive today without worrying about the future. Happiness can also come from reuniting with long-lost loved ones, as seen in shows like "As If Nothing Happened—The Separation". Through such moments, we can truly feel the joy, the excitement, and the tears of happiness.
Sometimes, happiness is found in the simplest things: what we already have in our hands, what we've longed for and finally attained.
What about struggle? Why must we struggle for happiness? According to the dictionary, struggle means to fight against something to protect or obtain what we desire.
So, why must we struggle for happiness? Because from the moment we are born, we are thrust into circumstances beyond our control. Some are born into wealth, others into poverty, some into illness, and others in good health. These circumstances seem to be predetermined by fate, regardless of our dreams and ambitions. However, humans are not mere plants or inanimate objects to succumb to fate. This is why we fight—to reshape our circumstances, to strive for our dreams and a better life. In each of us lies a hero who dares to fight. The question is whether we listen to that inner hero and act on it to achieve our happiness.
Some say that failing after a struggle is more painful than never trying at all, and thus they live quietly, valuing peace and comfort over ambition. There is a saying: "Beware of the indifferent; they don’t harm you directly, but their silent consent allows harm to continue in the world." If our ancestors hadn’t fought for peace, how would we have the good lives we have now? If soldiers hadn't fought for their families' happiness, would our country be as peaceful as it is today?
Happiness is a struggle, and it brings a complete happiness, but if you attach all your happiness to the idea of struggle, you may end up weary. It is important to look at the small things around you—those simple joys that are just as meaningful. Happiness doesn’t always have to be fought for, or it may not yet need to be fought for. The key is whether you can find contentment with what you already have. Sometimes, we need to appreciate the small happinesses that come our way before seeking out the larger ones.
Be happy now! We often convince ourselves that life will be better after certain milestones: marriage, children, a stable job, or a new house. But we are often disappointed when our children grow slowly, or we fail to achieve what we once dreamed of.
The truth is: the best time to embrace happiness is now, not in the future. If not now, then when?
Your life will always be filled with challenges. You must acknowledge this and prepare yourself for a life of happiness.

9. Reference Article #3
Happiness is something everyone desires in life. As C. Marx said, "Happiness is struggle," meaning that people must take action to achieve their own happiness.
So, what exactly is happiness? It’s the feeling of joy and contentment when achieving something, or when a desired result is attained. On the other hand, "struggle" refers to the effort in both physical and mental realms, the drive to achieve or hold onto something. From this, Marx conveys that to attain the happiness one desires, each person must make an effort, striving for their own happiness, rather than waiting for it to appear.
Marx’s view is insightful and philosophically rich. Why must one struggle for happiness? First, we must understand that everyone craves happiness in life. It can be something simple like scoring well on a test, buying a new car, receiving praise, being loved, and appreciated... all these are forms of happiness. Happiness drives people to pursue their goals, live joyfully, and feel that life has meaning. While happiness can be influenced by external factors, sometimes it comes from within. Regardless, it’s simply a state of emotion—it comes and goes unexpectedly.
Therefore, "happiness requires struggle." Nothing in life is permanent, lasting forever, always beside us. Happiness is no different. To have it, we must fight for it, protect it, and preserve it. If we simply wait or live off past happiness, it will eventually fade, and new happiness may never come. On another note, some people are born with disadvantages, physical impairments, or live in poverty. If they resign to their fate, not seeking opportunities to change their life, or struggle for their own happiness, they will be stuck in misery, accepting their fate passively, missing out on many chances.
When we fight for happiness, the outcomes will be more rewarding. We develop skills, qualities, and resilience for life. When we dedicate ourselves to a goal, achieving it brings greater satisfaction, and happiness works the same way. Each of us must rise up in life, no matter the circumstances, never giving in to fate, always giving our best in everything we do. Only then can we attain our desires, and our happiness.
Life is like a spinning wheel, and happiness is the force that drives it forward. To achieve happiness, we must struggle. If we stop fighting for ourselves, the wheel will eventually come to a halt. C. Marx's philosophy remains relevant and profound, regardless of time or place.
