Discovering the Wisdom of “Seeing Through Everything But Not Speaking Out”: The Path of Cultivation in Vietnamese Culture and a Great Life Wisdom

I. Introduction: The Essence of Silent Wisdom

In the rushing current of life, people are easily swept into the vortex of self-expression, argumentation, and the desire to assert the ego. People value the ability to speak eloquently and the sharpness of language, yet they forget a quality that is even more precious: “Seeing Through, Not Blabbing Out” (Xem thấu, không nói toạc)—a philosophy of life that embodies tranquility, compassion, and foresight. This philosophy, stemming from the age-old experience of the Vietnamese people, encourages individuals to learn to observe in silence, reflect in calmness, and withhold the truths they have identified, neither exposing nor stripping them bare.

The core message that the ancients wished to convey emphasizes: “A person should not be overly ostentatious with their strength; one needs to learn to observe in silence, and think in tranquility. Keeping silent makes life easier; learning to hold one’s tongue leads to a life without regrets.” This is not just advice on conduct but also a warning about “Cultivating Verbal Karma” (Tu dưỡng khẩu nghiệp) and the “Virtue of Forbearance/Patience” (Đức nhẫn nhịn)—two moral pillars distilled by our ancestors through numerous proverbs and folk songs. This essay will deeply analyze the wisdom of “seeing through, not blabbing out” through the lens of Vietnamese culture and ancient sayings, proving that silence is not cowardice but the pinnacle of cultivation, a strategy for self-preservation, and a firm foundation for a peaceful, regret-free life. This philosophy is the delicate contrast between the instinct to express and conscious restraint, creating the beauty of a person who is both profound and generous.

II. Seeing Through (Xem Thấu): The Wisdom of Observation, Humility, and Tranquility

“Seeing through” is the ability to perceive the essence and truth behind superficial phenomena and behaviors, moving past the emotional shell, falsehoods, or personal prejudices. This process requires an accumulation of experience, subtlety in perception, and, especially, the necessary humility to receive information without rushing to judgment. A person with the ability to “see through” is someone who knows how to use their ears to hear the world, their eyes to observe life, but keeps their mind focused on analysis, rather than immediately using their mouth to react.

Vietnamese ancients often taught their descendants the value of caution and inner peace through profound admonishments, because wisdom only opens up in silence. To see through the affairs of life, one must first learn to listen and control the arrogant ego.

1. Controlling the Ego and Rash Speech

“An empty barrel makes a loud noise.” (Thùng rỗng kêu to.)

This proverb is a powerful warning to shallow people who like to boast and talk excessively to cover up the emptiness in their knowledge and soul. People who “make a loud noise” often do not have time to listen or observe because they are too busy expressing themselves. Conversely, a person with deep wisdom is often sparing with words, understanding that the value of speech lies in quality, not quantity. Their silence creates space to observe and “see through” the issue comprehensively. The ancients also emphasized the role of caution in speech, a prerequisite for “seeing through” before acting: “Eating must involve chewing; speaking must involve thinking.” The act of “thinking” here is precisely the process of “seeing through” all facets of the issue before speaking, ensuring that one’s words are the result of deep contemplation, not an immediate reaction.

2. Humility and Tranquility to Absorb Knowledge

“Seeing through” is also placed by the ancients alongside the virtue of humility, avoiding the “overly aggressive” or “overly complacent” attitude mentioned in the original text: “A person should not be overly ostentatious with their strength.”

“Deep rivers run silent; ripe rice bows its head.” (Sông sâu tĩnh lặng, lúa chín cúi đầu.)

The images of a deep river and ripe rice symbolize maturity and wisdom. A person with strong inner strength (deep river) often maintains stillness and profound calmness, without showing off. A successful person, who has achieved sweet fruit (ripe rice), is even more humble, knowing how to bow down. This is the essential quality for a person to observe, learn, and “see through” without being obscured by an arrogant ego. This wisdom leads to the realization that all things in life have depth and complexity, requiring the heart and mind to illuminate them, not just the ordinary eye. Humility helps us learn from everyone, even those we might consider inferior.

3. Seeing Through Everything Through Listening

The ability to “see through” also relates to sensitivity and caution, especially in complex social relationships. The wise person never reveals all their information or emotions, understanding that the truth can be distorted.

“Ears in walls, veins in the forest.” (Tai vách mạch rừng.)

This saying reminds us that there are ears and eyes everywhere, and every word can be spread or overheard. Recognizing this, the person with the wisdom to “see through” chooses to observe and listen more than to speak. They gather information through their silence, identifying people’s intentions and the situation without having to actively ask questions or argue. Silence becomes a layer of protection for the wise, helping them “see through” the truth while keeping themselves safe and discreet. In summary, “seeing through” is the pinnacle of self-control, a process of opening wisdom through humility and stillness.

III. Not Blabbing Out (Không Nói Toạc): The Art of Cultivating Verbal Karma and the Virtue of Forbearance

“Not blabbing out” is the act of choosing silence, a deliberate restraint after having “seen through.” If “seeing through” is wisdom, then “not blabbing out” is the cultivation of verbal karma and the virtue of forbearance (修行 – tu tập / cultivation). It is the choice not to expose, not to strip bare, not to hurt others even when we know the truth. This action is not a cover-up or avoidance but an expression of compassion and foresight.

1. Verbal Karma and the Choice of Words

This philosophy is intimately connected with maintaining “verbal karma” (khẩu nghiệp), a concept highly important in East Asian culture and deeply absorbed in Vietnam through admonishments about the art of communication:

“Words cost no money to buy; choose your words to please each other.” (Lời nói chẳng mất tiền mua, lựa lời mà nói cho vừa lòng nhau.)

This timeless folk song is not just ordinary social etiquette but also a guiding principle for “not blabbing out” truths that cause offense. When we have “seen through” another’s flaws, mistakes, or difficulties, the act of “choosing words” here is choosing silence or finding a way to speak mildly or vaguely, instead of “blabbing out” and causing them to lose face or feel pain. The ancients also warned about the consequence of uncontrolled speech:

“The mouth harms the body.” (Cái miệng hại cái thân.)

When we “blab out” a truth, even if it is correct, it can cause animosity, jealousy, and push us into unnecessary conflict. The wise person understands that the truth, when spoken at an inappropriate time and manner, becomes a weapon that causes harm, not only to the listener but also turns back to harm the speaker. Therefore, “not blabbing out” is self-protection from the consequences of verbal karma.

2. The Virtue of Forbearance and Generosity

The act of “not blabbing out” is also an expression of the virtue of forbearance and an altruistic spirit, a key factor for having “a life without regrets”:

“One forbearance leads to nine good things.” (Một sự nhịn, chín sự lành.)

Forbearance here is not humiliation or cowardice but forbearance to maintain harmony, forbearance to avoid unnecessary conflict, and forbearance to give others a way out. When we “see through” a small plot or a temporary mistake, and choose “not to blab out,” we give the other party an opportunity to self-correct, to realize their error without being pushed into a corner. Silence in this context is golden (Im lặng là vàng), not only protecting others but also protecting ourselves from the consequences of argument, helping us avoid the “regret” of having ruined a relationship due to a moment of impulsiveness. The ancients also taught the importance of understanding within a group:

“Be clever in dealing with outsiders; but chickens from the same mother shouldn’t peck each other.” (Khôn ngoan đối đáp người ngoài, Gà cùng một mẹ chớ hoài đá nhau.)

Within a group (family, colleagues, community), “seeing through” but “not blabbing out” is a prerequisite for maintaining unity and harmony. If we use the truth we’ve seen to “peck each other,” to bring each other down, the relationship will shatter. Wisdom lies in using that truth to silently support, not to attack. “Not blabbing out” is the method of maintaining peace and internal solidarity.

3. Foresight and Strategic Vision

Silence also expresses strategic vision. A person who “does not blab out” is often someone capable of patiently waiting for the right moment. They understand that some problems cannot be solved with immediate words but need time to settle down naturally or wait for the circumstances to change. Exposing a truth too soon can lead to unforeseen consequences, making the situation worse. Wisdom lies in knowing when to speak and when to keep the truth in one’s heart, so that the truth does not become an obstacle to the long-term development of oneself and others.

IV. Application in Social Relationships: Altruism and Preserving Face

In relationships between people, “seeing through, not blabbing out” carries the meaning of individual respect and deep altruism. This philosophy is especially important when we “see right through” someone’s nature, worries, or weakness, which the original text calls: “You can see through, but you must not expose!”

1. Respecting Face and Dignity

Vietnamese people highly value face (thể diện) and honor. Being “blabbed out” for one’s weaknesses or mistakes in front of others can cause greater pain than physical injury. Therefore, “not blabbing out” is a humanitarian act, expressing understanding and compassion in the spirit of:

“Love others as you love yourself.” (Thương người như thể thương thân.)

When we apply this maxim to the philosophy of silence, we understand that if we do not want others to “blab out” our flaws, we should not do it to others either. This is a basic moral principle in communication. Preserving another person’s face is preserving blessings for oneself. Silence is deep empathy, the act of recognizing another’s mistake but choosing to silently help or remain silent so they realize it themselves, rather than using words to stab at their emotional wound. The wise person never uses the truth they have “seen through” as leverage to demean others.

2. The Method of Conversion: Soft Ties Bind Tightly

The person who practices “not blabbing out” understands that the ultimate goal of communication is to build, not to destroy. If the truth that has been “seen through” is not constructive or cannot be changed immediately, then keeping silent is the most humane choice. Instead of confrontation, they choose gentleness:

“Soft ties bind tightly.” (Lạt mềm buộc chặt.)

This method is the complete opposite of using sharp language to “blab out” the truth. Instead of using harsh words, we use gentleness, generosity, and silence to connect and convert. When people feel respected and not judged, they will voluntarily recognize and change, rather than having their hearts hardened by our sharp words, leading to resistance. In a family or organization, a leader who “sees through” but “does not blab out” creates an environment of trust, where everyone feels safe to make mistakes and correct them, instead of fearing exposure.

3. Harmony and Avoiding Conflict

In a complex social context, “seeing through” but “not blabbing out” is the best way to avoid unnecessary conflict and protect long-term relationships. Relationships are always more important than momentary rightness or wrongness.

“Let’s drop the nine for the ten.” (Chín bỏ làm mười.)

This philosophy encourages forbearance, overlooking minor mistakes that are not worth fussing over. When we “see through” a matter, we have the right to “blab out” to assert rightness or wrongness, but the wise person will choose “dropping the nine for the ten”—choosing harmony over the perfection of logic. Silence in this moment is a conscious act of omission, the pinnacle of altruism, helping us avoid making things difficult for ourselves and others, building a lighter life.

V. The Wisdom of Silence in Self-Cultivation and Leadership

The philosophy “Learning to hold one’s tongue leads to a life without regrets” shows that “seeing through, not blabbing out” is not only a social behavior but also a method of inner self-cultivation (修身 – tu thân) and a subtle leadership strategy.

1. Silence is Inner Cultivation (Steadfastness and Tranquility)

A person who practices silence is someone who self-trains, transferring energy from words to actions:

“Speak little, do much.” (Nói ít, làm nhiều.)

This is the motto of action for the wise. Instead of wasting energy on useless talk, they focus their strength on doing, on executing the plans they have “seen through” in silence. Silence is a process of internal conversion, from the energy of words to the energy of action. Stillness is also a prerequisite for the soul to achieve tranquility (冷静 – tĩnh lặng), which leads to steadfastness:

“Firm feet, soft stone.” (Chân cứng đá mềm.)

To achieve “firm feet, soft stone”—steadfastness and stability amidst the storms of life—one needs a process of deep self-reflection, which can only happen in stillness. When silent, we can listen to our inner voice, analyze all problems thoroughly without being influenced by external noise. This stillness is the source of all wise decisions. The act of not “blabbing out” is also a way for us to control emotions, avoiding being governed by temporary anger or excitement, helping us maintain our stance and composure in all circumstances.

2. Silence is a Leadership Strategy (Strategic Vision)

In the field of leadership or management, “seeing through, not blabbing out” becomes a tactic, an extremely effective strategy, helping the leader maintain depth and respect from subordinates:

“Quiet water seeps deep.” (Nước lặng thấm sâu.)

A leader who has the ability to “see through” the situation and “see through” people’s hearts but is not quick to “blab out” or act rashly. They maintain stillness like deep water; outwardly, there may be no ripples, but inside, there is a strong current and careful calculation. Silence helps them conceal their intentions, gather more information, and wait for the opportune moment to act.

The beauty of strategic silence is the ability to turn time into an ally. Instead of reacting immediately (blabbing out), they allow the situation to develop on its own, revealing more facets, thereby making the most accurate decision, avoiding “regret” later. In communication, the act of “not blabbing out” also creates a space of respect—others will have to deduce and complete things themselves, instead of being “spoon-fed” information. This stimulates the initiative and self-reflection ability of the counterpart. That is the wisdom of silent leadership.

VI. Conclusion: The Pinnacle of Wisdom and Compassion

The philosophy “Seeing through but not blabbing out” is a priceless lesson that Vietnamese ancients have passed down through generations. It synthesizes the essence of the art of living, a harmonious combination of observational wisdom (seeing through) and the virtue of cultivation (not blabbing out), creating the image of a noble person who is both intelligent and benevolent.

“Seeing through” requires humility, the ability to listen, and inner peace to identify the truth, keeping away from the trap of shallowness and arrogance (An empty barrel makes a loud noise; Deep rivers run silent, ripe rice bows its head). This is the foundation for avoiding blindness and superficiality. “Not blabbing out” requires compassion, forbearance, and the ability to restrain verbal karma, ensuring harmony and giving others a chance to improve themselves (Words cost no money to buy, choose your words to please each other; One forbearance leads to nine good things). This is the expression of an altruistic and understanding soul.

Living by this philosophy, people not only maintain their inner peace, avoiding disasters from the mouth (The mouth harms the body), but also sow seeds of goodness, maintaining harmony in social relationships (Love others as you love yourself). In a noisy world full of judgment, the wisdom of “seeing through, not blabbing out” is the path to a regret-free life, the highest state of cultivation: understanding everything but choosing to use compassion to forgive, instead of using words to judge or destroy. By withholding the truth we have seen, we preserve the opportunity for change, respect, and peace. That is truly the great wisdom—the wisdom of silence.