The analysis focuses on six core values, each embodied in a letter of the word TRÍ TUỆ, that together form the foundation of human wisdom in the digital age. These include sharp and critical thinking, a spirit of generosity and tolerance, the creation of practical benefits, the capacity for flexible adaptation, dreams that provide vision and direction, and an inner state of peace.
These six qualities enable people not merely to keep pace with technology but to master it, guiding progress toward a more humane and sustainable future. Ultimately, they illuminate the path for each person to pursue self-realization, live a meaningful life, and contribute positively to society.
T – Tư duy (Thinking): Finding the Way Out of the Information Maze
Thinking is the foundation of wisdom. It is the process of perceiving, analyzing, and processing information to arrive at sound decisions. A truly wise person possesses the ability to think critically, refusing to accept information passively and constantly asking “why” and “how.” This form of thinking reflects autonomy of mind resisting the pull of the crowd or the sway of fleeting emotions and enables individuals to make choices that are both effective and well-grounded.
The essence of thinking extends beyond mental activity; it is a system of responses to the surrounding world. It encompasses critical thinking, the capacity to evaluate information objectively; systems thinking, the ability to situate issues within a broader context and understand their interconnections; and creative thinking, the skill to generate innovative and breakthrough solutions.
In the digital era, where vast amounts of information circulate at extraordinary speed, thinking faces unprecedented challenges. People are easily trapped in cycles of misinformation, manipulated by algorithms, or confined within echo chambers. This is why critical and data-driven thinking have become survival skills, demanding the ability to filter content, recognize personal biases, and assess the reliability of sources.
Cultivating strong thinking habits begins with reading widely from diverse sources, engaging in dialogue with those who hold opposing views, and practicing the discipline of questioning and analyzing issues from multiple perspectives before drawing conclusions. Writing and articulating ideas in a logical, coherent manner also serve as effective methods for sharpening one’s thinking.
As the ancient philosopher Plutarch once observed, “The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled.”
R – Rộng lượng (Generosity): The Strength of Compassion
Generosity is the mark of a noble spirit, expressed through compassion, empathy, and the willingness to embrace differences. It is a core dimension of wisdom, reflecting not only intellectual acuity but also emotional depth and moral character.
At its heart, generosity lies in the ability to rise above the self, placing the well-being of others and the collective above personal interests. Its essence is rooted in humanity and benevolence. A generous individual has the strength to accept objective truths, even when they are unfavorable, and to act with civility rather than resentment.
This spirit of compassion fosters trust and connection, forming the foundation of enduring relationships and harmonious growth. In the digital era, generosity has become especially valuable. At a time when anger, criticism, and hostility can spread rapidly, the generous person plays the role of a reconciler.
Instead of engaging in fruitless disputes or personal attacks, they choose to listen, engage in respectful dialogue, and respond constructively. Generosity in the digital context also means sharing knowledge and experience selflessly, helping others without seeking recognition or reward.
Cultivating generosity begins with the practice of active listening that makes a genuine effort to understand differing perspectives without rushing to judgment. Rather than reacting immediately to criticism, one should pause, reflect, and respond calmly. Beyond this, contributing to community activities or sharing knowledge on digital platforms are effective ways to nurture a generous spirit.
As L. Frank Baum wrote in The Patchwork Girl of Oz, “You see, it is kindness that makes one strong and brave; and so we are kind to our prisoners.”
I – Ích lợi (Benefit): Turning Knowledge into Value
Benefit is the true measure of wisdom, reflecting the ability to transform ideas and knowledge into tangible values that deliver practical advantages for both the individual and society. Wisdom is not abstract erudition; it is the capacity to create outcomes that are both optimal and sustainable.
At its core, benefit lies in efficiency and usefulness. A wise person seeks to optimize every resource such as time, money, and effort to achieve the best results. They do not merely work hard but work smart, identifying the shortest and most effective paths toward their goals. Importantly, benefit in the context of wisdom is always linked to humanism. It is about creating value without causing harm to others, while actively contributing to the broader good of the community.
In the digital era, technology serves as a critical tool for maximizing benefit. Wisdom today is reflected in the capacity to harness artificial intelligence, big data, and other digital tools to automate processes, enable data-driven decision-making, and develop new business models or innovative ways of working that generate breakthrough efficiency.
The challenge, however, lies in using technology ethically, ensuring that benefits do not come at the cost of privacy violations or social inequality.
Creating real benefit begins with setting clear goals and learning how to employ digital tools effectively. It also requires cultivating design thinking to devise creative solutions to complex problems, and engaging in community initiatives to practice generating value for others.
T – Thích nghi (Adaptability): A Survival Skill in a Turbulent World
Adaptability is the ability to adjust and transform oneself in response to new environments. In a world defined by constant change, it stands as one of the most essential qualities of wisdom, enabling people to grow continuously and overcome adversity.
At its essence, adaptability is about flexibility in both thought and action. It does not mean surrendering or blindly following trends, but rather the capacity to accept change, embrace new knowledge, and apply it creatively.
The core value of adaptability lies in sustainability. A wise person is always prepared for the unexpected, viewing each shift as an opportunity for growth and self-improvement rather than a threat.
In the digital age, the pace of technological change is unprecedented. To be adaptable today means constantly updating knowledge and acquiring new skills. For example, a wise individual does not hesitate to explore artificial intelligence or emerging digital trends. They are willing to learn, experiment, and integrate these innovations into both their work and personal life.
Conversely, those who fail to adapt risk falling behind and losing their competitive edge. Building adaptability begins with stepping outside one’s comfort zone by trying new tasks, exploring different fields, and committing to learn at least one new skill each year. Instead of fearing change, one should cultivate the habit of seeking opportunities and experimenting. Setting short-term learning goals is also a practical way to stay informed and agile.
As Charles Darwin famously observed, “it is not the most intellectual of the species that survives; it is not the strongest that survives; but the species that survives is the one that is able best to adapt and adjust to the changing environment in which it finds itself.”
U – Ước mơ (Dreams): A Compass for the Digital Age
Dreams represent vision and serve as the driving force that propels people forward. Intelligence not only helps us solve present challenges but also enables us to look ahead, nurture ambition, and shape a better future.
At the heart of dreams lies strategic vision. A dream is not a fanciful wish but a clearly defined goal supported by a concrete plan of action to make it a reality.
The core value of dreaming is guidance and inspiration. Dreams are not confined to the individual; they become a source of motivation that connects people, inspires communities, and unites them around a shared purpose. They reflect the capacity of intelligence to anticipate trends, recognize opportunities, and lead transformative change.
In the Digital Age, technology makes it possible to turn dreams into reality faster than ever before. Yet, the challenge lies in holding on to one’s original vision amid the “maze” of information flows and shifting trends. A digitally savvy mind must know how to leverage technology to analyze data, study markets, and identify the right niche to bring those dreams to life.
Building a dream begins with identifying one’s core values and defining what truly matters. Set SMART goals including Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timebound. Develop detailed plans, break down large goals into smaller steps, and use project management tools to track progress. Just as importantly, connect with others who share the same vision to exchange ideas and learn from each other.
As motivational speaker Les Brown once said: “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.”
E – Êm ấm (Peace): The Final Haven of Tranquility
Peace represents the ultimate state and the truest measure of wisdom. It is not the absence of hardship, but rather inner calm and harmony in relationships, achieved through wise and thoughtful choices.
At its core, peace is about balance and inner happiness. It stems from the ability to manage emotions, embrace imperfection, and find joy in life’s simplest moments.
The essential value of peace lies in sustainability. A wise person is not only materially successful but also spiritually fulfilled, enriched by genuine relationships and a serene mind. Peace is the evidence of wisdom applied with humanity and responsibility.
In the Digital Age, technology brings convenience but also intensifies pressures: the demands of work, the burden of curating one’s image on social media, and the constant comparisons with others. In this context, peace means knowing how to “detox” from the digital world by stepping back from screens to reconnect with real life. It is the ability to find calm by listening to oneself and focusing on what truly matters.
To cultivate peace, practice mindfulness daily, dedicate time to meditation or restorative activities, and establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. Reduce time spent on social media, and make space for nature and meaningful connections with loved ones.
As Albert Schweitzer once observed: “Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success.”
Conclusion
True wisdom is not an innate trait or the accumulation of vast knowledge, but a lifelong journey of continual cultivation. It is the harmonious integration of sharp thinking, generosity, practical benefit, adaptability, visionary dreams, and inner peace. These six elements do not stand alone; they complement and reinforce one another, shaping a well-rounded individual capable of sustainable growth in any circumstance.
In today’s turbulent digital era, these values are more vital than ever. Critical thinking protects us from being swept away in the “maze” of information. Generosity fosters genuine relationships in a virtual world. Practical benefit drives us to harness technology for breakthrough value. Adaptability ensures we keep pace with rapid change. Dreams provide the compass that guides our steps forward. And peace offers the ultimate haven of balance, where we learn to harmonize our online and offline lives.
Each person must recognize that wisdom is both an invaluable asset and a worthy investment. The path to wisdom has no shortcuts; it requires consistent effort, learning, and self-discipline. By embracing and practicing these six core values, we not only become better versions of ourselves but also contribute to building a more civilized, compassionate, and prosperous community for the future.
(Excerpted from the volume Culture & Contemporary Times, published by the Institute of Art, Culture and Economics)
