"Vietnamese intellectuals in the course of national history"

The Vietnamese people have a rich cultural tradition. One of the elements contributing to this culture is the intellect, knowledge, and the role of intellectuals and talented individuals throughout the history of the nation. Recognizing the crucial role of talented people in the nation, the first university (Quoc Tu Giam) was established in 1076 during the Ly Dynasty to train talented individuals. The examination system during the Ly and Tran Dynasties contributed to the development of Dai Viet civilization. During the early Le Dynasty, the first national examination was held in 1442 to select the top three laureates (Trang Nguyen, Bang Nhan, Tham Hoa). And during the reign of King Le Thanh Tong, the examination system became even more important. The responsibility of intellectuals towards the destiny of the country and nation in Vietnamese history is clear and exemplified by many shining examples. With all their talent and dedication, these talented individuals always took the lead whenever the country faced difficulties and dangers (the responsibility of scholars). Throughout history, there have been countless intellectuals who have brought glory to the nation, such as Mac Dinh Chi, Chu Van An, Nguyen Trai, Than Nhan Trung, Luong The Vinh, Nguyen Binh Khiem, Le Quy Don, etc.

Continuing the national tradition, during the years of resistance against French colonial aggression and especially after the success of the August Revolution in 1945, President Ho Chi Minh and the Government sincerely called upon and hoped that talented individuals would contribute to the national revolutionary cause. Many intellectuals actively supported and assisted the Government and participated in the resistance; not a few intellectuals living and working abroad returned to the country to participate in the resistance and national reconstruction. With the correct viewpoints and policies of the Party, the Government, and President Ho Chi Minh, who valued the role of intellectuals, a large number of patriotic intellectuals fought and sacrificed for national independence and socialism alongside their compatriots. It can be affirmed that the Vietnamese intellectual class has made enormous and important contributions to the victory in the cause of building and defending the Fatherland.

In the current process of national renewal, the role of intellectuals is increasingly valued: the intellectual community has made many contributions to the people and the country, affirming and promoting its role in the new era, serving as a core force in creating and disseminating knowledge, becoming a particularly important resource, creating national strength in the development strategy. Although there are still some limitations, the Vietnamese intellectual community has upheld a high sense of responsibility and actively contributed to the cause of renewal for the goal of a prosperous people, a strong nation, democracy, fairness, and civilization.

To help readers gain a systematic understanding of the Vietnamese intellectual community and their role in the nation's historical process, the National Political Publishing House – Truth has published this book.Vietnamese intellectuals in the course of national history.By Professor, Doctor, and People's Teacher Nguyen Van Khanh. The book is divided into two parts: Part I, comprising 8 chapters, presents different perspectives on intellectuals and the formation and development of the Vietnamese intellectual workforce during the medieval, modern, and contemporary periods. The book focuses on clarifying the contributions of intellectuals in various socio-economic fields of the country, especially in the construction and development of the nation throughout different periods. Part II of the book briefly introduces the lives and careers of prominent Vietnamese intellectuals who have made outstanding contributions in the fields of politics, economics, culture, society, military, diplomacy, science, literature, and art…

The book covers a wide range of topics, including events and figures that are still being researched and are subject to differing opinions. Respecting the author's viewpoint, we have tried to preserve it in its entirety for readers to study, refer to, and consider as their own perspective.

We are pleased to introduce this book to our readers.

October 2015