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Dr. Nguyen Thi Viet Ha Saigon University 273 An Duong Vuong, Ward 3, District 5 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
THE ROLE OF NGUYEN SINH SAC IN THE FORMATION OF HO CHI
MINH'S CHARACTER
Abstract: This article analyzes the role of Pho bang Nguyen Sinh Sac in shaping the personality of Nguyen Tat Thanh (later known as President Ho Chi Minh). As a father, Nguyen Sinh Sac instilled moral values, patriotism, and a steadfast will in his son through unique educational methods and a deep father-son bond. These influences not only contributed to the development of a resilient personality in his son but also guided Nguyen Tat Thanh on his revolutionary path, which holds great significance in the history of the Vietnamese nation.
Keywords: Nguyen Sinh Sac, Nguyen Tat Thanh, Ho Chi Minh, personality, education.
Introduction: Pho bang Nguyen Sinh Sac was one of the most influential figures in the formation of Nguyen Tat Thanh's personality, who would later become the leader of the Vietnamese nation. The moral values, patriotic ideology, and steadfast will that Nguyen Sinh Sac imparted to his son laid a solid foundation for Nguyen Tat Thanh to overcome all challenges on his revolutionary path. This article delves into the process of Nguyen Tat Thanh's personality development under his father's guidance and clarifies the significance of this relationship in the history and revolutionary trajectory of the nation. Contents
1. Moral Character: From Family to Self-Reliance and Compassion
Nguyen Sinh Sac, a father who came from a poor Confucian family, embodied
noble moral values and a profound spirit of compassion. He was not only a visionary but also the key figure in shaping Nguyen Tat Thanh's moral character from a young age. Nguyen Sinh Sac's moral integrity was evident not only in his purity and simplicity in daily life but also in his boundless compassion, deep empathy for the impoverished workers, and tireless dedication to the community.
Nguyen Sinh Sac quickly realized that to cultivate a strong moral character in his son, it was essential to instill foundational moral values from an early age. He not only taught his son Chinese characters but also explained moral concepts such as "Nhan," "Le," "Tin," and "Nghia" (Huyen, 2013) to help Nguyen Tat Thanh deeply understand the principles of compassion, honesty, and personal responsibility. In Confucianism, as interpreted by Nguyen Sinh Sac, "Nhan" is not merely benevolence but also encompasses empathy and a sense of responsibility towards the community. He advised his son that in life, one must learn to care for, share with, and assist those around them, regardless of who they are (Huyen, 2013).
From a young age, Nguyen Tat Thanh absorbed these lessons of compassion and self-reliance from his father. He learned from Nguyen Sinh Sac that life is not just about individual existence but is intricately connected to the community, where each person bears the responsibility to contribute to its construction and protection. The lessons of compassion imparted by Nguyen Sinh Sac were not abstract theories but practical values derived from the simple and honest life of their family.
Nguyen Sinh Sac's influence extended beyond imparting moral knowledge; he also encouraged his son to develop a spirit of self-reliance, a crucial quality for building an independent and resilient personality. He consistently created opportunities for Nguyen Tat Thanh to think independently, evaluate situations, and make decisions on his own, from small everyday matters to significant choices in education and career. This approach helped Nguyen Tat
Thanh cultivate self-confidence, critical judgment, and a readiness to take responsibility for his decisions.
Nguyen Sinh Sac's encouragement of self-reliance was not a form of neglect but a deliberate educational method, aimed at helping his son not only become knowledgeable but also develop strong opinions, with the ability to lead himself and others in difficult situations. Nguyen Sinh Sac understood that for Nguyen Tat Thanh to succeed in his future mission to save the nation, he needed a strong spirit of independence, free from reliance on others, and unwavering in his convictions in the face of social pressures.
In addition, a distinctive aspect of Nguyen Sinh Sac's educational approach was that he never compelled his son to follow the path he had chosen (Nhon, 2020). Instead, he respected Nguyen Tat Thanh's freedom of thought and action, allowing him to explore and chart his own course in life. This approach not only helped Nguyen Tat Thanh develop a confident personality, with the courage to think independently and take action, but it also laid the foundation for him to become a leader with strategic vision, who knew how to listen to and respect the opinions of others.
From these early lessons, Nguyen Tat Thanh's moral character was solidly formed, combining compassion, empathy for the disadvantaged in society, and a strong sense of self-reliance. These core values stayed with him throughout his life and became a vital driving force in the struggle for Vietnam's independence. Nguyen Sinh Sac, in his dual role as a father and teacher, planted the initial seeds of morality in Nguyen Tat Thanh's soul, shaping him into a leader of profound humanity who always prioritized the nation's interests.
2. Intellectual Personality: Desire to Learn and the Will to Overcome Difficulties
One of the most crucial elements in shaping Nguyen Tat Thanh's personality was his desire to learn and his determination to overcome all difficulties and challenges. Despite facing numerous hardships in life, Nguyen
Sinh Sac always persevered in pursuing a respectable path in his academic career. He served not only as a shining example of diligence but also as a teacher who guided Nguyen Tat Thanh on the journey of knowledge (Loan, 2018).
From an early age, Nguyen Tat Thanh was instilled with a love of learning and a desire to achieve new heights by his father. Nguyen Sinh Sac consistently encouraged his son to keep learning, not just from books but also from life and practical experiences. He taught his son that knowledge is the key to liberating people from slavery and that only a profound understanding of the world can enable one to transcend personal limitations.
In the context of Vietnamese society at that time, learning was not merely about acquiring knowledge; it was also a means of self-improvement, overcoming class and social barriers. Nguyen Sinh Sac always emphasized the importance of learning French, a language many other Confucian scholars avoided due to concerns about Western cultural influence. However, he understood that mastering the language and culture of the adversary was essential for devising effective strategies in the struggle (Thanh, 2021). This perspective deeply influenced Nguyen Tat Thanh's academic journey and political thought.
During his studies, Nguyen Tat Thanh absorbed knowledge not only from books but also from the dialogues and debates between his father and the patriotic intellectuals he observed. These conversations not only broadened his vision but also sparked in him a passion for discovery and a desire to explore the wider world. The questions about freedom, equality, and fraternity that Nguyen Tat Thanh asked his father (Nhon, 2020) reflected his deep yearning for understanding and awareness of human rights and democratic values.
Nguyen Sinh Sac did more than just encourage his son's learning; he also instilled in him a steadfast will and a readiness to confront all difficulties. He often reminded his son that nothing in life comes easy, but with determination and perseverance, any challenge can be overcome. This lesson deeply influenced
Nguyen Tat Thanh, transforming him into a person with an iron will, unwavering in his goals and unafraid to face challenges.
Nguyen Sinh Sac was always an exemplary father and teacher, willing to sacrifice everything to nurture and educate his children. He not only provided academic guidance but also taught them how to conduct themselves in life, how to maintain self-respect and integrity, even when facing immense challenges. These virtues became a solid foundation for Nguyen Tat Thanh's character, helping him not only to overcome life's obstacles but also to triumph over the challenges in his revolutionary journey later on.
3. Political Personality: From Historical Awareness to Revolutionary
Path
One of Nguyen Sinh Sac's greatest contributions to the development of Nguyen Tat Thanh's personality was helping his son gain a profound understanding of the political situation, which in turn shaped his future revolutionary path. Lessons about patriotism, self-reliance, and responsibility to the nation were imparted to his son by Nguyen Sinh Sac through historical stories and discussions with patriotic intellectuals.
From a young age, Nguyen Tat Thanh witnessed the sacrifices of patriotic intellectuals who were willing to fight for the freedom and independence of the nation (Huyen, 2013). He absorbed valuable lessons about patriotism and national pride from his father, a man who was unwavering in his commitment to national liberation. Nguyen Sinh Sac helped his son understand that patriotism is not just an emotion but must be demonstrated through concrete actions, and that achieving this goal requires a clear strategy and the determination to carry it out.
Nguyen Sinh Sac not only taught his son about patriotism but also encouraged him to better understand the enemy. He urged his son to learn French, study the culture, and grasp the ideology of French colonialism, in order to comprehend the nature of the enemy and identify their weaknesses (Loan, 2018).
This mindset profoundly influenced Nguyen Tat Thanh's revolutionary journey, leading him to leave his homeland in search of a way to save the country.
Through observing the discussions between his father and patriotic intellectuals, Nguyen Tat Thanh became increasingly aware of the country's plight, the oppression of French colonialism, and the corruption of the feudal regime. Nguyen Sinh Sac instilled in his son a deep-seated hatred for the injustices endured by the people, while also inspiring him with the will to fight for national liberation from the yoke of domination. These lessons not only shaped Nguyen Tat Thanh's political consciousness but also fostered in him an unyielding determination on the revolutionary path.
Furthermore, Nguyen Sinh Sac imparted to his son a clear political ideology: to always side with the people, to listen to and understand their aspirations (Huyen, 2023). He taught his son that any struggle must be supported by the people, and only with their collective will can the struggle succeed. This ideology became one of the fundamental principles throughout Nguyen Tat Thanh's revolutionary career, guiding him to become a steadfast leader who always prioritized the nation's interests.
When Nguyen Tat Thanh decided to leave his homeland to find a way to save the country, Nguyen Sinh Sac not only supported him but also encouraged and strengthened him spiritually. He understood that to liberate the nation, a wise strategy, perseverance, and the willingness to accept all sacrifices were necessary. Nguyen Sinh Sac not only recognized the potential in his son but also understood that the cause of national salvation required a broad vision and iron determination. He encouraged Nguyen Tat Thanh to go further, to learn from advanced civilizations, so that he could find the most effective path for the nation.
Nguyen Sinh Sac taught his son that leaving his homeland was not an act of escape, but rather a quest for knowledge, strategy, and allies for the long-term struggle. He instilled in Nguyen Tat Thanh the belief that only by deeply understanding the enemy and the outside world could real change be brought
about for the country. Nguyen Sinh Sac's advice was more than just encouragement; it was a profound reminder of the great responsibility that Nguyen Tat Thanh would have to shoulder. He not only placed his trust in his son but also reminded him that the road ahead would be fraught with challenges, but with enough willpower and determination, no obstacle would be insurmountable.
Nguyen Sinh Sac also emphasized the importance of maintaining morality and character in all circumstances. He advised his son that, no matter where he went or what cultures he encountered, he must preserve the national identity and dignity of a Vietnamese person. This not only helped Nguyen Tat Thanh maintain his self-respect but also projected an image of a resilient, indomitable Vietnamese person to international friends. The steadfastness with which Nguyen Tat Thanh upheld his personality, self-respect, and patriotism were values passed on by Nguyen Sinh Sac, becoming the guiding principles for all his actions throughout his revolutionary life.
Conclusion
The role of Pho bang Nguyen Sinh Sac in shaping Nguyen Tat Thanh's personality was immensely significant and crucial. From lessons on morality and intellect to deep political awareness, Nguyen Sinh Sac played a decisive role in forming a resilient, intelligent, and patriotic individual. These values not only helped Nguyen Tat Thanh become a person of great character but also guided him on the correct revolutionary path, leading the Vietnamese people to freedom and independence. The father-son relationship between Nguyen Sinh Sac and Nguyen Tat Thanh stands as a living testament to the power of family education and remains an endless source of inspiration for many generations of Vietnamese people.
References
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