For the greater good
“Bao Đồng” is a Vietnamese word that can be loosely translated to “busybody” or “meddler” in English. Generally, It means someone who couldn’t keep it to themselves and involves themselves in matters that do not directly concern them.
Does that sound like a negative trait? For many scenarios, yes. After all, we have the English saying: “Mind your own business”. However, it is also arguable that the term encapsulates a broader concept: individuals driven by a desire to address issues affecting a larger group or society.
In this particular context, I argue that the world needs more “Bao Đồng” people. These are the people who shape our world, for better or worse, not out of self-interest, but because of a higher calling.
Take neurosurgeons, for instance. Despite the potential for high earnings, their career choice must stem from a deeper motivation. In North America, surgeons typically work 10-12 hour shifts for days on repeat, sacrificing work-life balance for their profession. I strongly believe years of gruelling training and sleepless nights can’t be sustained by financial incentives alone. Instead, a profound desire to heal and make a difference drives these individuals forward.
This spirit extends far beyond the medical field. History is rich with examples of activists like Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Mahatma Gandhi and many more were propelled by a concern for the greater good. Their “Bao Đồng” nature led them to fight for civil rights, equality, and freedom, often at great personal cost, but changed the world for for the better.
While “minding one’s own business” is practical in certain contexts, it’s the “Bao Đồng” individuals – those who dare to care beyond their immediate circle – who truly drive progress.
Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.
- Martin Luther King Jr.