Understanding the Concepts of “Cọc” and “Chùm”
From poetry to philosophy, humans have used various metaphors to describe life. They compare humans to leaves, waves, winds, and droplets of water to convey their messages. Today, let’s talk about the right way to learn by using the metaphor of a tree to describe our journey.
If we envision a person’s life as a tree, the trunk represents their career, the flowers and fruits represent success, and the roots represent knowledge. Knowledge, like the roots of a tree, forms the foundation for everything. It helps build a career, develops our lives, and creates success. Just as a healthy tree relies on strong roots, a successful life relies on good knowledge.
But what constitutes good knowledge? Just like a tree has two types of roots – “cọc” (taproot) and “chùm” (fibrous roots), knowledge can also be categorized as “cọc” and “chùm.”
According to Greening Office, “rễ cọc” (taproot) refers to “a root system with a main root that grows deep into the ground like a stake or support, and a few small lateral roots growing around it.” In simpler terms, taproots anchor the tree with a large stake that grows deep into the ground. Trees with taproots are the strongest, most resilient, and longest-lasting in storms. Similarly, “cọc” knowledge is not just limited to one field. It encompasses a systematic and specialized knowledge that requires a structured learning approach, determination, long-term commitment, and most importantly, a clear long-term goal.
What about “rễ chùm” (fibrous roots)? Unlike taproots, fibrous roots support the tree with multiple small, shallow, and spreading root fibers. In terms of knowledge, “chùm” knowledge refers to having a broad range of knowledge in different areas without proper focus or systemic understanding. Due to an excessive amount of knowledge, people with “chùm” knowledge lack depth in any particular field. They may know many things but have superficial knowledge, merely scratching the surface without delving deep.
So, what differentiates those who possess “cọc” knowledge from those with “chùm” knowledge? Under normal conditions, there is little apparent difference between taproot and fibrous root trees. In fact, fibrous roots often appear to grow faster and more abundantly than taproots. However, when facing storms or strong winds, fibrous root trees cannot withstand the same amount of pressure and are easily uprooted. Despite their larger size, faster growth, and quicker flowering, fibrous root trees are toppled by the first storm. On the other hand, taproot trees, while growing slower and flowering later, withstand numerous storms and remain upright, enabling them to grow stronger and last longer. This analogy applies to human lives too. Those who accumulate vast amounts of shallow knowledge may experience rapid growth and advancement initially, but when faced with adversity, they quickly crumble. Why does this happen? It is due to a lack of direction, focus, and in-depth knowledge, resulting in an inability to navigate through challenges. Conversely, individuals with focused and profound knowledge gradually build their careers, albeit at a slower pace, and rely on that knowledge to overcome any obstacles they encounter along their journey, no matter how significant they may be.
Therefore, in the age of easily accessible information on the internet, it is crucial to choose a path of learning that is guided, goal-oriented, and emphasizes depth in knowledge. Most importantly, it requires unwavering determination to pursue that path until the end. Strive to become an individual with a “cọc” knowledge foundation to ensure a solid and successful career.
How to Learn Effectively
As mentioned earlier, the internet has made learning more accessible than ever before. Regardless of the subject or level of expertise, from beginner to Ph.D., various learning methods are available. Learning can be done through books, teachers, videos, and even in just 15 minutes through accelerated learning techniques. With a simple search, the internet offers hundreds of ways to learn. Therefore, the question in today’s era is not how to learn, but rather what to learn.
As discussed previously, the goal should be to build a deep knowledge foundation, not necessarily a broad one. Once the foundation is established, determine what that “cọc” (taproot) represents – which field or area of expertise it corresponds to. Afterward, relentlessly pursue that path and never stop learning. Immerse yourself in books, study materials, and take advantage of the vast knowledge available on the internet. Connect with like-minded individuals, learn from Masters, Ph.D. holders, and researchers in the field. There are countless other ways to nurture and expand your taproot, allowing your tree to spread its branches wider and bear fruitful results. Put your heart into learning, constantly think about it, and, most importantly, create self-motivation to propel yourself further on the path of specialized education. Only through diligence, perseverance, and a thirst for knowledge can we establish an exceptional, profound knowledge foundation – one that promises a solid future, resilience in the face of storms, and the ability to overcome challenges.
So, what does it mean to learn effectively? It means recognizing the need to develop deep knowledge, not necessarily a wide range of knowledge. It means identifying the taproot and its corresponding field or area of expertise. Lastly, it means committing to a relentless pursuit of knowledge and constantly fostering creativity within that field. With this direction, combined with the current abundance of learning opportunities, an outstanding and profound “cọc” knowledge foundation can be built. It will transform you into an extraordinary individual in society – someone with deep and multidimensional insights, ready to shape their own successful life.
Image source: Mục vụ Giới trẻ
Author: Minh Tâm
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