1. "Four Keys":

I want to mention "Four Keys", an important concept in Vietnamese culture, which includes the four most basic needs of humans: eating, sleeping, relationships, and knowing. When talking about the Four Keys, we cannot help but mention the stories and legends passed down through generations, as well as the literary works, folk songs, and proverbs of the nation, all of which deeply and meaningfully address this theme.

This reflects the desires of our ancestors for a prosperous, happy, and healthy life. Below are some thoughts and personal experiences of the author regarding the Four Keys, although they may lean towards personal viewpoints and are inevitably limited and narrow, the purpose is to share and discuss this important topic. So, let’s start with the first need in the Four Keys, which is eating.

First Key: Eating

Eating is considered the top need in the Four Keys, reflecting its importance to human life. Eating is not just the act of putting food into the body to convert it into energy for survival, but it is also an indispensable part of every major or minor activity. In any task, eating always comes first, as no strength can be nourished without the supplement from within.

Therefore, eating is also seen as the root cause of many failures and cowardice in society. There are writers like Nam Cao who have expressed painful feelings about poverty, and poets like Xuân Diệu who have deeply felt the suffering of food scarcity. In folk culture, there is a saying "a bite of food is a bite of sorrow," which reflects the importance of eating for health and spirit.

However, eating is not merely about providing nutrition but also a spiritual and cultural experience. Enjoying and savoring a delicious meal is one of the pleasures of being human. However, having a good meal depends not only on the food but also on the environment, emotions, and situations we are experiencing.

But sometimes, reality does not always allow us to enjoy a good meal. Perhaps at that time, surrounding issues such as a damp environment, unfavorable climate, or work pressure make eating difficult and unenjoyable.

In a village with every song celebrating couples, can you enjoy a good meal? If you can confidently and calmly enjoy in that situation, then I congratulate you on reaching a level of tranquility amidst the turmoil of life. Eating well is not just about enjoying food, but also about the experience of dining with someone, where, and at what time. For me, eating well is never alone, just as good wine is never enjoyable without friends.

As the saying "No purchase, no good friend, No purchase, die in tears of friends" by Nguyễn Khuyến shows, it reflects the profound meaning of having a companion when enjoying. For me, sitting in an ideal space, with picturesque rivers and lakes, but without anyone beside me, truly makes me feel bored and lonely. True happiness only comes when there is someone to share with.

2. Sharing:

In Chinese and Japanese, the character "ren" resembles two people leaning on each other. This reflects the profound meaning of having a companion, an imperfect partner, but still enough to create completeness. We are together as humans, and sometimes, what matters is not finding a soulmate, but knowing how to be a soulmate for each other. Therefore, I suggest that we enjoy the joy of lying down to sleep, resting when necessary.

Second Key: Sleeping

After a hearty meal, what could be better than enjoying a deep and comfortable sleep? When sleeping, this need arises right after eating, and a sufficient and deep sleep will make the spirit relaxed and energy restored after a tiring day of work. Conversely, not getting enough sleep or insomnia can cause many problems, from health to mental issues.

There are times when the wind blows against us, when illness recurs, and insomnia becomes a nightmare. Each time, a sleepless night can be a struggle to escape from suffocation and fatigue. Sometimes, one person is deep in sleep, while the other cannot find sleep. In such cases, feelings of anger may flare up, wanting to wake them from their dreams.

But in reality, insomnia not only makes us unstable but also makes us more irritable. When experiencing insomnia, we realize the value of a deep and dreamless sleep. The feeling of refreshment and energy when waking up from a full sleep cannot be compared to anything.

However, to achieve such a good sleep, we need to prepare. Not getting enough sleep, or staying up late to work, or taking care of children are common causes of insomnia. Therefore, we need to consider and find ways to address these issues to enjoy a deep and complete sleep.

3. Relationships:

In the Four Keys, relationships can be seen as an indispensable part and also one of the most emotional and uplifting aspects for humans. Relationships are not just about sexual harmony, but also a stimulating factor for emotional connections, making love deeper and richer.

In folk songs, it is often said that "eating vegetables pierces the meat, which hurts," reflecting the bond and mutual understanding between two people. A close and intimate relationship not only brings happiness to both sides but is also essential for maintaining peace in the family.

However, although relationships are an indispensable part of life, they are often seen as a sensitive topic and rarely mentioned, especially in literature. People often avoid discussing this topic for fear of being considered inappropriate or not aligned with social culture. However, there are some literary works that still find ways to explore this topic subtly and profoundly, although not all are highly regarded.

Nevertheless, although relationships are a complex and sensitive topic, their important role in each person's life cannot be denied.

In a poem, playing chess is not just an ordinary game, but also a symbol of the union between two people. This poem describes a chess match, but it is strange when talking about playing chess late at night, lacking formality.

The poem by Hồ Xuân Hương talks about the Three Monsters, symbolizing humans and the custom of breaking the cart. The character Thanh uses the intellectual game as a means to express the union, although in reality, not everyone perceives this issue in the same way.

In today's culture, the youth's perspective on sex and relationships has changed. No longer obsessed with the issue of virginity, women are not judged by their loss of virginity, and men no longer place heavy emphasis on this issue. However, there are still some who are quite rigid and prejudiced on this matter, and it is very important to expand and seriously discuss this topic.

4. Topics:

We should approach this topic more openly, no longer too sensitive and judging others' dignity based on outdated standards.

However, with a broader perspective, often not accompanied by guidance or inaccurate guidance, many arising issues have occurred, including severe conditions and pregnancies in Vietnam. Therefore, education about sex and sexual culture has become extremely important in today's society. In my opinion, we need to approach this issue more proactively, thoroughly understand before going further in relationships. Let’s love in a civilized manner and treat sex maturely and responsibly. That is the only way to progress.

Before continuing to read, note that this section is not suitable for men during the period of women’s pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Some say that toilets are the greatest symbol of human civilization, and there is no wrong in that. When I was young, the concept of Western toilets was not common. In rural areas or near the sea, toilets were often just simple latrines. I remember, at my house, when I needed to urinate or defecate, I had to go to the river to dispose of waste.

Once, when I was swimming at the beach with my younger brother, I noticed a large "object" drifting with the waves. After looking closely, I realized it was human feces, which made me feel very emotional. I thought this was truly unacceptable. Since then, I never swam at that beach again.

Using toilets properly is not only a progress in civilization but also an important measure to improve public health. Sanitation policies and technologies must be prioritized to protect the environment and prevent disease.

Finally, being able to comfortably and easily use the toilet when feeling the urge is truly a happiness. Nothing can compare to the feeling of comfort and relief when "solving" it right away, without having to endure pain or worry. This truly helps alleviate sadness and stress in daily life.