This is also a universal philosophy that many renowned scholars, both domestically and internationally, have distilled through valuable books and research projects, contributing to the path toward a learning society and sustainable development.
Lifelong learning for adaptation and growth
Like a guidebook for the future, “Long-Life Learning: Preparing for Jobs That Don’t Even Exist Yet’ by Michelle R. Weise, is one of the most notable works conveying the spirit of lifelong learning.
The book’s special feature is its high practical value, providing in-depth analyses of the labour market in the context of continuous technological advancements as jobs today may disappear tomorrow, and only those with a mindset of lifelong learning can endure.
Written by a former Fulbright scholar and graduate of Harvard and Stanford, the book not only forecasts the future of employment but also analyses advanced educational models, new recruitment trends, and ways workers can continually equip themselves with knowledge and skills to avoid obsolescence.
The book also proposes practical solutions to the growing trend of integrating work and study, while offering effective methods to ensure a smooth transition from learning to employment. Translated into Vietnamese and published by Thai Ha Books in collaboration with the Industry and Trade Publishing House, the book serves as a valuable resource for anyone looking to take control of their future.
In addition, “The Lifelong Learner” by psychologist Peter Hollins, provides practical guidance to help readers become proactive and effective learners, encouraging them to step out of their "comfort zone" into the "growth zone". The book inspires readers to embrace risks, challenges, and failures to gain valuable lessons.
Beginning with guidance on overcoming psychological barriers to maintaining motivation for lifelong learning, Peter Hollins presents scientific methods for creating personalised curricula, building optimal learning paths, and applying knowledge in real life. The author also highlights the role of reading habits as an essential tool in lifelong learning.
Beyond international publications, the philosophy of lifelong learning is also a key research focus for many Vietnamese scholars. One notable example is “Learning Society - Lifelong Learning and Self-Learning Skills” by Nguyen Canh Toan and Le Hai Yen, a valuable resource for promoting independent learning and fostering a learning society.
The book analyses the essence of self-learning, identifying the necessary factors and methods to achieve high learning efficiency, from mindset and motivation to application of knowledge, aiming for a proactive, creative generation and a sustainable learning society.
Similarly, “Self-Learning - Creating a Lifelong Learning Journey” by authors Hoang Anh Duc, Hoang Giang Quynh Anh, and Ho Tuong Linh provide useful guidance on effective self-learning. With an engaging writing style and a system of vivid images, diagrams, and illustrations, the book offers tips to turn self-learning into a lifelong process.
These books not only provide knowledge but also serve as "keys to thinking", helping readers recognise the importance of continuous learning and transform the spirit of lifelong learning into practical action.
A motivation for learning society
According to many experts, in addition to equipping individuals with skills and knowledge, the core value of books lies in their ability to inspire learning, helping individuals become proactive, creative, and continuously improving in their pursuit of knowledge. Books break passive thinking patterns, encourage self-learning habits, and foster critical thinking. As such, books are indispensable companions on the lifelong learning journey.
As researcher Nguyen Xuan Tuan, founder of Vietnam’s Learning and Reading Platform - Hocdoc.vn, affirmed: "Valuable books are repositories of human intelligence, where everyone can discover the unknown, constantly learn more, and never stop learning. Parents teach us when we are young, and teachers guide us at school, but no one can accompany us throughout our lives. Therefore, we must learn from each other and accumulate knowledge through books, as books are our eternal teachers". Hocdoc.vn was established to introduce books rich in knowledge to serve readers’ needs.
The upcoming release of the book titled “The Path to the Future - Volume 1” promises to provide readers with practical content to help them develop their thinking and nurture a spirit of lifelong learning.
As someone passionate about self-learning, Dr Nguyen Manh Hung, CEO of Thai Ha Books, shares that through books, he has acquired extensive knowledge and skills for life and work.
He emphasises that learning is a lifelong journey, and books are indispensable for self-learning. Reading books enhances individual understanding, contributes to building a reading culture in the community, and ultimately fosters a true learning society. It is essential to inspire reading habits and promote a broad reading culture through book clubs, literary circles, and engaging initiatives such as "Reading Together" and "Reading Tours". These are also the activities Dr Hung actively promotes to spread the reading culture.
Highlighting the role of books in an era of continuous technological advancements, Associate Professor Dr Bui Hoai Son, a standing member of the National Assembly’s Committee on Culture and Society, asserts that books are gateways to a vast world, offering readers profound dialogues with authors, timeless ideas, rich experiences, and inspiring stories that help individuals become better versions of themselves. More than just a habit, reading culture is the foundation for intellectual enlightenment, fostering curiosity and a passion for learning in every individual.
"A society that values and spreads a reading culture is also a society that lays a solid foundation for lifelong learning—where knowledge is not confined to classrooms but flows through every aspect of life. A country where citizens love reading and are passionate about discovering knowledge is a country with strong potential for breakthrough growth and advancement," emphasises Associate Professor Dr Bui Hoai Son.
According to him, promoting a reading culture should go beyond merely encouraging people to read, it is essential to create an environment that fosters lifelong learning. Books should not only be found in libraries, bookstores, or study corners but should be present in every public space, household, school, and workplace, becoming an indispensable part of daily life. When everyone sees reading as a joy and a natural need, learning will no longer be a burden but a self-driven motivation for sustainable social development. This is precisely the spirit emphasised by General Secretary To Lam in his article: “Lifelong learning helps every member of society to have enough conditions and opportunities to continuously improve themselves, enhance the quality of life for themselves, their families, clans, villages, wards, communes and the whole country under the leadership of the Party, on the path to becoming a strong, democratic, fair, civilised, and socialist country with rich people”.
