World physicists are proud to see the name of their founder at the Temple of Literature.
Professor Trinh Xuan Thuan, the world's leading astrophysicist, has been away from the country for a long time, but deep inside him is still a very simple Vietnamese soul.
Mysterious Melody
In the past two years, Vietnamese scientists and people, both at home and abroad, have continuously received good news, bringing pride to the Fatherland: Professor Ngo Bao Chau was awarded the Fields Medal by the International Mathematical Union (2010), Professor Hoang Tuy was awarded the Constantin Caratheodory Prize by the International Society for Global Optimization (2011), Professor Tran Thanh Van was awarded the Tate Medal by the American Institute of Physics (2012) and, most recently, Professor Trinh Xuan Thuan was awarded the Cino del Duca World Prize by the French Academy (2012).
Professor Trinh Xuan Thuan is a Vietnamese-American scientist. He was born in 1948 in Hanoi. He is also a writer, having written many valuable books on cosmology and his thoughts on the relationship between science and Buddhism. Many people praise him as a poet, a philosopher, a Buddhist, and an activist for the environment and peace.
Professor Trinh Xuan Thuan
He studied at Yersin School (Lycée Yersin) in Dalat (now Dalat Pedagogical College), and Jean Jacques Rousseau School in Saigon (now Le Quy Don High School).
In 1966, after graduating from high school, he left Saigon to study in Switzerland, and then received a scholarship to study in the United States. He studied astrophysics at the California Institute of Technology from 1967 to 1970, and at Princeton University from 1970 to 1974. He defended his doctoral thesis at the University of
Works translated into Vietnamese and translated into 20 different languages around the world: Mysterious Melody, And Man Created the Universe, Chaos and Harmony, Infinity in the Palm of the Hand (From Big Bang to Enlightenment), Quantum and the Lotus, Conversation with Trinh Xuan Thuan, Trinh Xuan Thuan's conversation with journalist Jacques Vauthier.
Childhood village across the Duong river
Homeland is the earth, that is the feeling of this famous Professor when asked about his homeland. Having lived in America since the age of 19, it seems that for him, science and Buddhist philosophy have become harmonious and beautiful like poetry.
He shared:"I always feel naturally in harmony with the universe, so I never feel lonely. Moreover, I always have loved ones by my side to support and encourage me. My father has passed away, but he is a great example for me in the spirit of continuous learning. He always encouraged me on the path of science, teaching me to first become a good person and know how to love others.
I am fortunate to have a devoted wife, who also teaches like me, but knows how to take care of the house so that I can focus on my research. My wife's love gives me the energy and will to be able to proceed more vigorously in my research and writing. As the Vietnamese folk song says:
In my extended family, the bond from generation to generation is highly valued and preserved. Many people in my family have passed doctoral exams and become high-ranking officials in the court. Learning, researching and helping others are the most precious traditions of my family. I write books, teach and research to continue that tradition.
During my return to Vietnam with the delegation of French President Mitterrand in 1993, when I visited the Temple of Literature in Hanoi, I was very proud to see that my ancestor's name was also included. At that time, the standard of living in the North was still much lower than in the South, many places had no electricity or water. In 2004, returning to my childhood village on the other side of the Duong River, visiting my ancestors' graves, I was deeply moved to see that all the country's efforts were devoted to construction, the living standards of my hometown people had been significantly improved... All of these things kept me going, helped me feel less lonely, and more responsible for life and society."
We depend on each other
A very profound view of people, he believes that the most specific thing that each family can do is for parents to educate their children not to chase after material things, to think more about others, then their lives will be more meaningful. That is why there must be religion. Buddhism teaches that money and material things are all illusions, love and helping others is the truth, that is the strength of human beings.
"Gift" from Professor Trinh Xuan Thuan: a "tour" of universities from North to South
During the meeting of world physicists at the 7th Rencontres du Vietnam, in just a short trip, Professor Trinh Xuan Thuan made a "tour" of universities from North to South to arouse the love of science, the love of astrophysics. With his engaging conversation, always accompanied by interesting images of the endless world of galaxies, he truly planted dreams in the hearts of young people.
He shared: Our generation is old, so we really hope to have the next generation, but it seems that young people today pursue careers that help them make money quickly such as business, doctors, lawyers... rather than science. The responsibility of educators is to convey to the young generation a love of science. That is why I created the Astronomy subject for poets, for students studying other subjects such as economics, philosophy, literature... I am very excited to see that the students are very passionate about this subject, and enjoy looking up at the sky, observing the stars.
Looking at his stunningly beautiful images of the universe, there seems to be so much to contemplate. Modern life with its many pressures has left most of us engrossed in pursuing worldly ambitions, leaving little time to reflect on ourselves and our origins.
And we should remember that human beings are treasures that nature has worked so hard to create, but they are also very small in the vastness of the universe. Let's take time to reflect, to live compassionately and tolerantly with our fellow human beings to be worthy of the great grace that nature has bestowed upon us.../.
According to Phapluat-M
