Tran Quoc Tuan’s philosophy of life: A foundation for Vietnamese political thought and national resilience

This article examines the profound philosophy of life embedded in the political thought of Tran Quoc Tuan, a legendary hero, strategist, and symbol of Vietnamese resilience against the Yuan-Mongol invasions in the 13th century. Tran Quoc Tuan’s contributions to the Vietnamese nation extend beyond his military genius, encapsulating a rich philosophical outlook on life, governance, and the art of war. His thoughts, deeply rooted in the values of patriotism, humanity, and unity, propelled Dai Viet to remarkable victories and significantly influenced the development of a cohesive, independent feudal state. This paper delves into the core aspects of Tran Quoc Tuan’s philosophy of life, including the ethical conduct of generals, the moral obligations of leadership, and the strategic application of humanistic principles in military tactics. By analyzing Tran Quoc Tuan’s literary works and historical contributions, this study highlights the enduring relevance of his philosophical insights for contemporary political and military strategy, national unity, and cultural identity. Tran Quoc Tuan’s legacy, characterized by a harmonious blend of Confucian, Buddhist, and Taoist thought, remains a beacon of national pride and a guiding principle for the Vietnamese people’s spirit of independence and self-reliance (Pham et al., 2025). The new contribution of the article lies in systematizing the fundamental content of Tran Quoc Tuan’s philosophy of life, highlighting its historical significance in the development of Vietnamese national history, thereby affirming that his philosophy is also the philosophy of the entire Vietnamese people, symbolizing the spirit of self-reliance and the resilience of the nation.