“Keep your resolve firm, whatever others may say or change”; “Though opinions may sway in all directions, our resolve stands steady like a three-legged stool”; “One must learn to take care of oneself, not wait for help from others”; “Once determined, act; once weaving, finish the rim properly”… These simple folk verses, over time, continue to serve as a gentle yet persistent reminder of how to live: steadfast, self-reliant, and not easily swayed by external changes.

This body of proverbs and folk songs shows that within Vietnamese cultural life, such a spirit has never been an abstract notion. It is present in historical experiences, in choices that may appear personal but carry the imprint of a whole community, reflecting a clear quality: independence and self-reliance.

According to Associate Professor Dr Nguyen Thi Xuan Huong, former Deputy Director of the Institute of Culture and Development at the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, at critical moments of national survival, what shapes choices and actions lies not only in material strength, but more deeply in identity and character accumulated over generations.

“What we see today in the Vietnamese spirit of independence and initiative is not incidental, but rooted in values embedded deep within national identity. External expressions always have their origins in internal values.”

Individual choices reflect a national value system

Looking back at history, choices made by individuals and communities at turning points were not merely situational decisions. They also reflect a shared value system, cultural identity and internalised qualities. These choices are not imposed from outside but arise from within each person. This is what has created a lasting internal strength for Vietnam.

“The Vietnamese spirit of independence has been clearly expressed since the early days of nation-building, through uprisings and wars of national defence. It is the aspiration to safeguard territory, as well as the right to be oneself, free from assimilation,” Huong said.

From the founding legends to the worship of the Hung Kings, a consistent sense of identity can be seen at work, helping the Vietnamese define who they are, where they belong and how they should act in the face of historical challenges.

A distinct expression of independence

Independence is not unique to Vietnam, but its expression takes a distinct form. Huong points to three aspects: universal in aspiration, historical in conditions, and specific in expression.

“All nations aspire to independence, but each experiences different historical conditions. In Vietnam, a long history of struggles for survival has meant that independence is not only an aspiration, but has become a way of life and a quality forged over time.”

From collective character to individual capacity

In the modern context, as international integration deepens, independence and self-reliance are becoming essential requirements, particularly for younger generations. This goes beyond independence in thinking to include the ability to take initiative in learning, working and adapting to a global environment.

In practice, in fields such as technology, startups and innovation, young Vietnamese are showing adaptability, a willingness to take on challenges and the ability to build their own value. However, some views suggest that while Vietnamese people are strong in collective contexts, they tend to be more cautious in personal life.

According to Huong, this is not contradictory, but reflects different layers at work. In historical contexts, people were compelled to act for survival. In modern life, under changing pressures, individuals tend to choose safer paths, especially when weighing responsibilities, income and social risks.

Transforming spirit of independence in new era

Experts note that today’s context has changed profoundly, with new challenges such as technological dependence, global competition and the strong impact of digital transformation. This requires a shift in how independence is understood and applied: from territorial independence to independence in thinking; from initiative in war to initiative in development; from preserving identity to creativity and integration.

This spirit is also reflected in current development directions, particularly in Resolution 80 of the Politburo, which highlights national resilience alongside proactive international integration.

For independence to become a real capacity, cultivation must begin early and involve multiple actors.

“The family forms the foundation. Schools shape thinking and create opportunities for young people to experience, choose and take responsibility for their decisions. Society is the testing ground, where independence is strengthened through creativity, entrepreneurship and the acceptance of risk. Independence is not a given state, but a continuous process of cultivation,” Huong said.

From past to present, the spirit of independence and initiative remains a consistent thread in Vietnamese character. It has become a quality that underpins the resilience of the Vietnamese people.

This spirit is not something distant. It begins with each individual daring to think, choose and take responsibility for their own life. Ultimately, a nation is truly strong only when each citizen is capable of making sound decisions independently.

Independence and self-reliance are a legacy to take pride in, as well as a responsibility to be practised daily in modern life. When each individual is truly independent and self-reliant, that becomes the sustainable foundation for a nation’s independence in a new era.

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