The principal advised the students: "High IQ and EQ are not enough if you lack compassion."

Members of the Hoa Da Club of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities spread a message of love and connection. In the photo: students at the Tien Lu Rehabilitation and Vocational Training School for People with Disabilities (Hung Yen) playing with members of the Hoa Da Club - Photo: HA THANH

This message was conveyed by Professor Pham Quang Minh, Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, at the recent opening ceremony of the 2019-2020 academic year.

"In the world of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, it's true that IQ (Intelligence Quotient) and EQ (Emotional Quotient) are extremely important, but more than ever, we need LQ (Love Quotient) – compassion, the ability to put yourself in another person's shoes, something that machines can never do," he said.

YouthI spoke with Mr. Minh about this fresh perspective.

If you want to go far, go together.

* You mentioned three indices: IQ, EQ, and LQ, and emphasized that more than ever, we need LQ – the empathy index. Could you explain this index in more detail?

- Nowadays, while material living standards have improved significantly and the development of science and technology has brought people closer together in communication, the emotional bonds between people are eroding.

I would like to reiterate the idea of ​​musician Trinh Cong Son: "To live in this world, one needs a compassionate heart." What distinguishes humans from machines and technology is their feelings and compassion. A robot can do many things for us, solving incredibly complex tasks, but true compassion, altruism, and the spirit of "one for all, all for one" are probably only found in us humans.

I believe that compassion is a crucial "foundation," the basis for all our actions and thoughts. No one can thrive without caring for those around them and without sharing.

Compassion must also be reciprocal, meaning sharing and connection based on the principle of "one for all, and all for one." The most important thing in a society is unity and shared hardship; those who want to go fast can go alone, while those who want to go far must go together.

Professor Pham Quang Minh, Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (Vietnam National University, Hanoi) - Photo: HA THANH

* He said that human relationships are eroding, so what do you think the consequences would be if there were no compassion?

- Living without compassion and love leads to an indifferent society. This indifference is now very serious; if we stand before the beauty of nature, love, and the misfortunes of others without feeling any emotion or reflection, then I think that's a society of machines.

We see many classmates, group members, or family members sitting next to each other but not communicating directly, instead communicating online. Life on social media has developed to the point where people prefer connecting online, sharing less with those around them; to put it more accurately, "being close in person but distant in heart."

I think compassion here is primarily for those around us. And the strongest, most beautiful love is love that is shared.

Compassion and kindness here are about sharing and connection. If there are barriers and walls separating people, how can we have compassion? If we don't care about those around us, how can we develop as individuals within that community?

Open your heart, multiply your compassion.

* He emphasized the LQ index for the University of Social Sciences and Humanities. Is this the direction of development for the university? How can we cultivate compassion and empathy in our students?

- I also think there are many messages this school year: that you students entering the school are already highly qualified, and if you want to become scientists, teachers, etc., you do need a high IQ, but I think that's not enough.

The essential qualities for a future global citizen go beyond IQ and EQ; they must be able to put themselves in others' shoes and empathize with citizens from other civilizations.

We are training a generation of students to become global citizens, and I believe compassion, empathy, and sharing are universal, cross-border values. Only through these qualities can people cooperate and engage in dialogue. These are the "common denominators" we need to cultivate in our current and future generations of students.

This year, in addition to training quality and discipline, sharing feelings and responsibility, through the case of new student Tran Thi Hong Ngoc overcoming difficulties to attend school, I want students to cultivate humanity and empathy.

New student Tran Thi Hong Ngoc - Photo: Duong Trieu

The university's Youth Union and Student Association also organize clubs to help students develop their abilities to the fullest, such as the Vovinam martial arts club, which not only improves physical health but also fosters a humanitarian spirit by protecting female students from sexual abuse.

In particular, the Hoa Da Club, for the past 10 years, has brought together students facing many difficulties in life due to illness, spreading a message of human resilience and connecting people in difficult circumstances who need help.

* In your opinion, what advantages and challenges does Vietnam face in increasing this index, especially in schools?

- We have a fantastic population, with two-thirds born after 1975, which is our most valuable asset. We need to focus on training, nurturing, and utilizing this golden population. I think educational institutions in general, and universities in particular, have a greater responsibility and role to play.

I recall the words of the scholar Chu Van An in response to King Tran Minh Tong: "I have read books, and I have never seen a country that does not value learning and yet can progress," meaning that advanced, developed countries around the world all pay attention to education.

I believe that schools, especially the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, must take the lead. They must lead the way into new, challenging fields, truly conveying the message that "it's not just about knowledge, but also about social responsibility." This means compassion, caring for those around us, and addressing the core issues of the nation.