The Perspectives on "Sentiment" and " Principle " in Ho Chi Minh's Thought and Its Application by the Communist Party of Vietnam in the Current Era

Abstract

“Tình” (Sentiment/Affection) and “Lý” (Reason/Principle) are two fundamental categories in Eastern culture, reflecting the relationship between human emotion and intellect, and between human morality and social principles.

In Ho Chi Minh's thought, the unity of “Tình” and “Lý” is vividly expressed in his conceptions of humanity, ethics, leadership style, and working methodology.

The Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) has profoundly inherited and applied this perspective in Party building, state governance, and social leadership, especially amidst the current context of renovation, international integration, and digital transformation.

This article analyzes the internal meaning of “Tình” and “Lý” in Ho Chi Minh's thought, identifies the creative application by the Party in the new era, and thereby affirms the sustainable orientational value of Ho Chi Minh’s ideology in contemporary Vietnamese socio-political life.

Keywords: Ho Chi Minh,  Sentiment and Principle,  Ho Chi Minh’s Ideology, The Communist Party of Vietnam, Application.

DOI: 10.7176/RHSS/15-9-06

Publication date: October 30th 2025