The aspiration and bravery of the young man Nguyen Tat Thanh - Nguyen Ai Quoc through some typical events

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Youth is the time of dreams and ambitions, of commitment and dedication, of facing and overcoming difficulties and challenges, of creating and developing a career.

President Ho Chi Minh - the national liberation hero, the outstanding cultural celebrity of Vietnam - also had a very beautiful youth with the aspirations and bravery of a young revolutionary, completely devoted to the Vietnamese revolution and the world revolutionary movements. During his lifetime, President Ho Chi Minh always paid special attention to the youth. He left behind a very comprehensive and profound system of views on the youth. However, the most valuable thing that President Ho Chi Minh left for today's youth is not only the thoughts expressed in his speeches and writings, but perhaps, it is the "living example" of the revolutionary youth Nguyen Tat Thanh - Nguyen Ai Quoc. Within the framework of this short article celebrating the 132nd birthday of President Ho Chi Minh and congratulating the success of the 11th Congress of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, I will review some typical events in the life of the revolutionary youth Nguyen Tat Thanh - Nguyen Ai Quoc in the period from 1908 to 1925.[1], events through which we can clearly see his DESIRE and MISSION to liberate the nation and develop the country, and from those events we can draw some suggestions for Vietnamese youth in general, and youth of Hanoi University of Social Sciences and Humanities in particular.

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Nguyen Tat Thanh was born on May 19, 1890 in his mother's hometown, Hoang Tru village (commonly known as Chua village), Chung Cu commune, Lam Thinh canton, Nam Dan district, Nghe An province (now Kim Lien commune, Nam Dan district, Nghe An province). Since childhood, Nguyen Tat Thanh (with the name Nguyen Sinh Cung) was raised in the tradition of his family and hometown rich in cultural and revolutionary traditions. As Professor Ninh Viet Giao, a researcher on Nghe An folk culture, wrote: “It is truly a cultural river that was formed from the dawn of history. The cultural river keeps flowing and the more it flows, the more streams flow into it, the more immense and abundant it becomes, the more colorful it becomes… leaving behind the fertile alluvial fields that books often mention, that is the Nghi Xuan region with Nguyen Du, Nguyen Cong Tru, Ta Ao… That is the Quynh Luu region with Ho Si Duong, Ho Xuan Huong. That is the Duc Tho region with Phan Dinh Phung, Phan Trong Muu, Le Ninh. That is the Can Loc region with Nguyen Huy Tu, Nguyen Van Giao. That is the Nam Dan region with Nguyen Duc Dat, Phan Boi Chau… Bathing in that cultural river, Uncle Ho, with his great intelligence, great willpower and early-blooming patriotism, absorbed into himself the quintessence of the country, the worries of suffering, the overwhelming worries, the dreams and aspirations, the resentments, the anger, the resentments, the The iron determination of many lives, many homeland feelings have been expressed in folk literature, written literature, especially in the life that the river of culture has carried along..."[2].

Right from his youth, with the knowledge acquired from his family's education, from teachers with a deep sense of patriotism, as well as from the process of self-study, self-discovery, and especially from his love for his homeland and country, the boy Nguyen Sinh Cung soon revealed the aspirations and bravery of a young Vietnamese youth in the face of his country being invaded and dominated by foreigners, and his compatriots being oppressed and exiled. Phan Boi Chau recalled that when he was 10 years old, Nguyen Tat Thanh often heard him recite two verses of Vien Mai's poem, and later he often repeated them:

"Each meal is not lost, only bamboo is white,
"The lowest way to make a living is literature"[3].

Around the age of 13, Nguyen Tat Thanh, upon hearing the French words: Liberty, Equality, Fraternity, "really wanted to get acquainted with French civilization, wanted to find out what was hidden behind those words."[4].

The aspiration and bravery formed early in his teenage years developed strongly in the young man Nguyen Tat Thanh, expressed in a series of typical events between 1908 and 1925.

In 1908, when Nguyen Tat Thanh was 18 years old, a special event occurred. That was his participation in the anti-tax demonstration of Thua Thien farmers. This was essentially a widespread movement, starting in Quang Nam, then spreading to the provinces of Quang Ngai, Phu Yen, Thua Thien, Ha Tinh, Nghe An, Thanh Hoa. Tens of thousands of farmers loudly demonstrated against high taxes and long-term forced labor. By the end of May 1908, the movement was suppressed in blood and fire by the French colonialists. The event of Nguyen Tat Thanh joining the struggle of the working people, not fearing the tyranny of the feudal colonial government, clearly demonstrated the aspirations and mettle of the young patriot, marking an important milestone in his revolutionary life.

From 1908 to 1925, many important events took place on the journey of Nguyen Tat Thanh - Nguyen Ai Quoc. If we choose the events that demonstrate his aspirations and bravery, then within the limited scope of this article, we can mention some of the following typical events.

On June 5, 1911, Nguyen Tat Thanh left Nha Rong port, starting his journey to find a way to liberate the nation. The trip was the realization of a long-formed aspiration. Above, we mentioned the desire to get acquainted with French civilization and learn what was hidden behind the words Liberty, Equality, Fraternity that formed Nguyen Tat Thanh when he was 13 years old. We also know the conversation between Nguyen Tat Thanh and a friend, when he wanted to invite this friend to go abroad, and in that story, Nguyen Tat Thanh said: "I want to go abroad, see France and other countries. After considering how they do, I will return to help our people"[5]. We also cannot forget the event of June 1923, in a letter sent back to his fellow activists when he secretly left France for Russia, Nguyen Ai Quoc wrote: "For me, the answer was clear: return to the country, go among the masses, awaken them, organize them, unite them, train them, and lead them to fight for freedom and independence."[6]. Obviously, there was a journey: Searching - finding - returning to carry out the path of liberation and development of the country of Nguyen Tat Thanh - Nguyen Ai Quoc, and that journey began from the event of June 5, 1911. That was the event that demonstrated the aspiration to find the path of liberation and development of the country, and at the same time demonstrated the courage to commit with the spirit of "self-responsibility" before the fate of the nation - people, the courage to face difficulties and challenges of Nguyen Tat Thanh - Nguyen Ai Quoc. The image of a 21-year-old patriot raising his two hands and speaking confidently to his friend when that person was worried about the difficulties and challenges before him when leaving the Fatherland: "... we will work. We will do anything to live and to go" is a beautiful image, a symbol of the aspiration and courage of youth in the face of difficulties and challenges, for the Fatherland and compatriots.

On June 18, 1919, the name Nguyen Ai Quoc first appeared associated with theClaims of the Annam People, sent by Nguyen Tat Thanh - Nguyen Ai Quoc on behalf of the Association of Vietnamese Patriots in France to the Versailles Conference, demanding basic freedom and democracy for the Vietnamese people. This Petition was also sent directly to the US President, the Nicaraguan delegation also attended the Versailles Conference. In addition, the Petition was also sent to a number of important figures and published in a number of newspapers in France, China, ..., including the original text and the ballad version. The event of June 18, 1919, the name Nguyen Ai Quoc and theClaims of the Annam Peoplecaused a stir in French and colonial political life. The event continued to clearly demonstrate the desire to fight for the interests of the country and its people, the courage to confront the colonial government and in dialogue with other countries, including with superpowers like the United States, of the patriotic young man Nguyen Tat Thanh - Nguyen Ai Quoc. At this time, he was only 29 years old.

During his stay in France, Nguyen Ai Quoc had three direct encounters with Anbe Xaro - the French Minister of Colonies. The first time, on September 6, 1919, Nguyen Ai Quoc was invited by Anbe Xaro to the headquarters of the Ministry of Colonies. One day after the meeting, Nguyen Ai Quoc wrote a letter to Anbe Xaro to question him, and at the same time affirmed that all 8 points stated in the Petition of the Annamese people had not been satisfactorily resolved. The second time, in early 1921, Nguyen Ai Quoc met Anbe Xaro at the invitation of the Ministry. During the meeting, Nguyen Ai Quoc rejected Anbe Xaro's opinion that Indochina could not be independent yet, and stated clearly: "... If France returns independence to us, you will see, we know how to take power and rule for ourselves." The third time, in June 1922, Nguyen Ai Quoc met Anbe Xaro at his invitation with a calm, leisurely attitude, not at all afraid of the attitude and words that were sometimes threatening, sometimes enticing, of the French Minister of Colonies. Before leaving, Nguyen Ai Quoc told Anbe Xaro: "What I need most in life is: My people are free, my Fatherland is independent."[7]. Three times facing the French Minister of Colonies in his own lair, all three times Nguyen Ai Quoc wonderfully demonstrated his desire for independence and freedom for the Fatherland and his compatriots, and especially his courage to confront and win against tyranny and temptation. This is the quality of a communist that President Ho Chi Minh later used the words of the Eastern philosopher - Mencius - to summarize:

"Wealth and honor cannot corrupt,
Poor and powerless
The universe cannot be subdued.

Speaking of the bravery of Nguyen Tat Thanh - Nguyen Ai Quoc in facing the enemy, we cannot help but mention his scientific and political bravery in his fierce and intellectual polemics in the French press, such as Nguyen Ai Quoc's polemic with Outrey in the newspaperThe PopularOctober 1919. Or in articles criticizing the colonial policy of the French government, criticizing many high-ranking officials of the French government in the colonies, typically in the workThe verdict of the French colonial regime. Or in the articles and works of art criticizing King Khai Dinh when he was brought to France by the French colonialists to attend the Colonial Fair held in Marseille in 1922. In particular, the scientific and political qualities of Nguyen Tat Thanh - Nguyen Ai Quoc were also shown in the debates with his comrades. Many events associated with speeches, articles of a debate nature, even fighting against incorrect perceptions of colonial issues and colonial revolution among comrades in the French Socialist Party, the French Communist Party, the Communist International, etc., during his time in France and Russia clearly demonstrated his qualities.

On the journey to find a way to save the country, the patriotic young man Nguyen Tat Thanh - Nguyen Ai Quoc also clearly expressed his desire to study, absorb knowledge of humanity, expand his knowledge, improve his own intelligence and the courage to overcome difficulties to realize that desire. There are many events that demonstrate that desire and courage. We know that when he was young, the boy Nguyen Sinh Cung learned Chinese characters and Chinese studies from his father and many famous teachers. With the spirit: "just persevere and work hard and you will succeed" along with his intelligence and very good memory, "Nguyen Sinh Cung only had to read Chinese characters three or four times to memorize"[8]. We also know that, even when he was still in the country, Nguyen Tat Thanh had studied French in French-native primary schools in Vinh city (1905), French-Vietnamese primary schools in Thua Thien province (1906), and Hue National School (1908) through preparatory, elementary, intermediate, and college classes and programs. In 1913, after arriving in England, Nguyen Tat Thanh immediately started learning English. Every day, early in the morning and in the afternoon, that is, before and after working hours to earn a living, he diligently studied by himself. Every week, on his day off, he studied English with an Italian professor. In mid-1913, in a letter to Phan Chu Trinh, Nguyen Tat Thanh wrote: "... I wish that in 4 or 5 months, when I meet you, I will be able to speak and understand a lot of English."[9]. Nguyen Tat Thanh's example of passion and perseverance in learning foreign languages ​​is truly worth learning for today's youth! Not only did he persevere in overcoming difficulties to learn foreign languages, Nguyen Tat Thanh - Nguyen Ai Quoc was very diligent in reading books and newspapers. Historical documents show that during his time studying at the French-Vietnamese Primary School in Thua Thien province, in addition to class time, Nguyen Tat Thanh also asked people to borrow books from the Library to read. During his time abroad, especially in France, Nguyen Tat Thanh - Nguyen Ai Quoc often went to the library to read books, and also bought and copied books and newspapers to read. When writing articles, especially when writing major works, such as the workThe oppressed, Nguyen Ai Quoc collected and processed many documents. For example, the French secret police's records show that on February 6, 1920, Nguyen Ai Quoc asked a friend to "go to the banks of the Seine River to buy for him some books containing reports by Messini and Violet to use as excerpts for the book he was writing."[10]. Not only focusing on acquiring knowledge through books, Nguyen Tat Thanh - Nguyen Ai Quoc also had a great desire to expand his knowledge through practice. He spent a lot of time researching reality, observing and grasping the real situation. He also actively participated in political and social organizations, actively attended, listened and expressed his opinions in the activities of these organizations. In addition to activities in the French Socialist Party, the French Communist Party, the Communist International, etc., Nguyen Ai Quoc's activities at the Phobua club were very noteworthy events. Mr. Leo Poldes, President of this club, commented: Nguyen Ai Quoc "used to participate with us in lively discussions. Even his enemies admired his intelligence, talent and sincerity."[11]. Nguyen Tat Thanh - Nguyen Ai Quoc also actively participated in forums and activities of the working class, especially youth activities. He gave many speeches and presentations to the youth of District 2 and District 13 in Paris, participated in activities and wrote articles about Chinese youth, etc. Nguyen Tat Thanh - Nguyen Ai Quoc also paid great attention to building good relationships, learning and exchanging with many important political activists, influential figures who could help the Vietnamese revolution. Many of them are or will be high-ranking leaders of the French Socialist Party, the French Communist Party, the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, the Third International, the Communist Party of China, etc. Many figures who had great influence on Vietnamese history in the late 19th and 20th centuries also had very good relationships with Nguyen Tat Thanh - Nguyen Ai Quoc, such as Phan Boi Chau, Phan Chu Trinh, etc. The event in 1918, right after returning to France, Nguyen Tat Thanh went to Reunion Island to visit former Emperor Thanh Thai was also very special. Recalling this event, in 1947, former Emperor Thanh Thai said: “I am old, I have no intention of returning to political life. Moreover, Uncle Ho Chi Minh was a representative of the revolutionary movement of the Vietnamese people. To me, Uncle Ho Chi Minh is not a stranger. As early as 1918 when he escaped abroad, Uncle Ho Chi Minh came to see me on Reunion Island. From that time, I saw Uncle Ho Chi Minh as an enthusiastic and wise patriot.”[12]It can be seen that the whole activity was very rich, with many important events mentioned above clearly demonstrating Ho Chi Minh's aspiration and ability to raise his intelligence, understanding and knowledge. For a young man from a colony, in the context of colonialism and imperialism dominating the world, that was truly admirable.

During the period from 1908 to 1925, it is impossible not to mention the year 1925 with the establishment of the Vietnam Revolutionary Youth Association and the publication of the newspaper.Adolescentand Nguyen Ai Quoc's lectures at the Vietnam Revolutionary Youth Association. The above events took place when Nguyen Ai Quoc was 35 years old, which is the age of adulthood of the Youth Union according to the current concept. Those events marked an important milestone in the journey to find a way to save the country of Nguyen Tat Thanh - Nguyen Ai Quoc and also marked an important milestone in the process of the Vietnamese revolution. The birth of the Vietnam Revolutionary Youth Association - a predecessor organization of the Communist Party of Vietnam; the lectures of Nguyen Ai Quoc at the Vietnam Revolutionary Youth Association were collected into a workRevolutionary Road- The first textbook of the Vietnamese revolution; the birth of the newspaperAdolescent- the pioneer newspaper of the Vietnamese revolutionary press, in all those events crystallized the mettle and aspiration to build a career, opening a new period in the cause of national liberation and development of the country of Nguyen Tat Thanh - Nguyen Ai Quoc, a typical patriotic youth of the Vietnamese people in the 20th century.

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In 1925, Nguyen Ai Quoc called out: “Oh, pitiful Indochina! You will die if your old youth do not soon revive.”[13].

In 1946, President Ho Chi Minh concluded: “A year begins in spring. A life begins in youth. Youth is the spring of society.”[14].

Nguyen Tat Thanh - Nguyen Ai Quoc with the aspirations and bravery of youth, from being a young man who lost his country, became the highest leader of the revolutionary cause of national liberation at the age of 35, the age of maturity of the Vietnamese Youth Union members today. He revived not only the "old youth", but also an entire nation. He opened a Spring of society at the age of 35, with an organization called Thanh Nien, with a newspaper called Thanh Nien. There is a philosophy of the Beginning here!

Looking back at some events in the revolutionary life of the young man Nguyen Tat Thanh - Nguyen Ai Quoc, we can see in them beautiful, strong aspirations and bravery, full of youthfulness, vitality, and vitality. And in them, there are many things that suggest to today's youth:

- Must have the aspiration and courage to protect and develop a prosperous and happy country.

- Must have the aspiration and courage to dedicate and contribute to the Fatherland and the people, in the spirit of: "Wherever there is a need, youth will be there, whatever is difficult, youth will do."

- Must have the aspiration and courage to improve education, intelligence, personality, truly possess the qualities and abilities, virtues and talents of "future masters of the country".

- Must have the aspiration and courage to assert and express oneself, be ready to fight against bad and evil, to protect and cultivate the good, to make the good "blossom like spring flowers".

- Must have the desire and courage to start a business. Starting a business must be a characteristic of youth, just like "a life begins from youth", according to the Philosophy of Beginning of Nguyen Tat Thanh - Nguyen Ai Quoc - Ho Chi Minh.

In short, the life and revolutionary career of President Ho Chi Minh is a great example for modern Vietnamese people, in which, for Vietnamese youth today, the life of the revolutionary youth Nguyen Tat Thanh - Nguyen Ai Quoc truly contains many lessons and very direct and profound suggestions. The aspiration and courage of Nguyen Tat Thanh - Nguyen Ai Quoc are the inspiration, the endless source of energy that every Vietnamese youth today can receive from, to devote and contribute, to truly be "the future master of the country", the "Spring of society"./.