Sống và nghĩ như nước | Thái Hà Đặng Thị | TEDxULIS

Quick Overview

The presentation argues that the Vietnamese relationship with water, which is deeply ingrained in culture, mythology, and daily life, is facing a critical shift due to modern development, urging the audience to reassess their perceptions of water beyond mere resource extraction and embrace a more conscious, reciprocal relationship.

Key Points: The speaker highlights the cultural significance of water, referencing Vietnamese myths like Lạc Long Quân and Thủy Tinh, where water is intrinsically linked to national identity and survival. The presentation contrasts historical reverence for water with modern urban development (e.g., wedding photos on bridges, city expansion along rivers) which often prioritizes construction over natural flow. Ancient texts like the 'Linh Nam Chích Quái' and 'Việt Điện U Linh' depict water as a sacred, foundational element, contrasting with contemporary destructive practices like deforestation leading to severe floods. The speaker contrasts two historical views of water: the mythical, spiritual connection (Sơn Tinh - Thủy Tinh) and the utilitarian/colonial view ('Đất đai Đồng bằng Cửu Long' article), which treats water as a mere resource to be exploited. The presentation concludes by advocating for 'Blue Humanities'—a mindful, reciprocal approach to water—and encourages the audience to move beyond viewing environmental disasters solely as 'natural' events ('Thiên tai') and recognize human contribution. Visual aids included imagery of the modern Saigon river, ancient Vietnamese myths (Lạc Long Quân, Sơn Tinh - Thủy Tinh), historical texts, and contemporary environmental devastation (flooding/river pollution).

Context: This TEDxULIS talk, titled 'Sống và nghĩ như nước' (Living and Thinking Like Water), is delivered by Thái Hà Đặng Thị, exploring the deep cultural, historical, and spiritual significance of water in Vietnamese society. The presentation moves from ancient mythology and folklore, which personifies water as a powerful, sacred entity, to contemporary challenges where unchecked development and exploitation threaten this vital natural resource, ultimately calling for a paradigm shift in how Vietnamese people perceive and interact with water.