Mindful Leadership SS3 #5 | 50 năm sáng tạo học hỏi từ khoa học và tạo hóa | Lý Ngọc Minh, Minh Long

Key Concepts

• Minh Long Ceramics: A Vietnamese brand of porcelain and ceramics founded by Lý Ngọc Minh.
• "Nhất liệu, nhì nung, tam hình, tứ trí" (First material, second firing, third shape, fourth decoration): An ancient Vietnamese saying emphasizing the importance of raw materials and firing in pottery.
• "Tận nhân lực, tri thiên mệnh" (Exert human effort, understand destiny): A philosophy of doing one's best and accepting the outcome.
• "Học làm người" (Learning to be human): A core principle of continuous learning and self-improvement.
• "Tinh hoa từ đất, tinh xảo từ người" (Essence from earth, exquisite from people): Minh Long's core cultural values.
• "Minh bạch" (Transparency): A key principle in business and personal conduct.
• "Phát minh" (Invention/Discovery): The act of discovering and applying existing natural principles.
• "Học hỏi, hành" (Learn, practice): A cyclical process of acquiring knowledge and applying it.

The Journey of Minh Long Ceramics: A Legacy of Innovation and Perseverance

This summary details the insights shared by Nghệ nhân Lý Ngọc Minh, founder of Minh Long Ceramics, in a special episode of "Myful Food Leadership" on The Quốc Khánh Show. His journey is a testament to dedication, continuous learning, and a profound understanding of both craftsmanship and life's principles.

1. The Genesis of Minh Long: Overcoming Adversity and Seeking Distinction

Lý Ngọc Minh's path to establishing Minh Long was shaped by early life challenges. Due to family hardship, he was unable to complete formal education, dropping out after 5th grade. This adversity, however, became a catalyst for self-learning. He credits his ability to read and learn from books and newspapers, particularly works like "Học làm người" by Nguyễn Hiến Lê, as foundational to his later success.

The pivotal moment that ignited his passion for ceramics occurred during a visit to a renowned pottery workshop in Lê Thiêu. Witnessing the exquisite Chinese and Japanese porcelain, he was struck by their beauty compared to the coarse local earthenware. This experience instilled in him a desire to "make a revolution" in ceramic production, aiming to create pieces comparable in beauty to international standards. This ambition was the seed from which Minh Long would grow, differentiating itself from other local ceramic producers.

2. The Scientific Approach to Ceramics: From "Nhất liệu, nhì nung" to Innovation

Lý Ngọc Minh emphasizes the traditional Vietnamese saying, "Nhất liệu, nhì nung, tam hình, tứ trí" (First material, second firing, third shape, fourth decoration), highlighting the critical importance of raw materials and firing processes. He recognized that the beauty of ceramics stemmed not just from decoration or shape, but from the fundamental quality of the materials and the precision of the firing.

Early Research and Development:

• Color Research: Lý Ngọc Minh, along with a friend, established a makeshift laboratory for three years to research ceramic colors. They focused on developing basic colors, particularly the challenging black and red hues, which they successfully matched to imported standards.
• Laboratory Setup: The "laboratory" was rudimentary, set up on a pile of earth, using basic equipment like a small scale, grinding bowls, and measuring cylinders. This highlights the resourcefulness and dedication required in the early stages.
• Inspiration from "The Mirror" by Nguyễn Hiến Lê: This book profoundly influenced Lý Ngọc Minh, presenting inspiring stories of individuals who achieved success through various qualities like perseverance, sacrifice, and determination. He learned from figures like a deaf and mute woman who became a leader for the disabled, and the archaeologist who discovered the ancient city of Troy. These stories reinforced his belief that success is attainable through sheer will and effort, regardless of initial circumstances.

3. Philosophical Foundations: The Influence of Lao Tzu and Taoism

Lý Ngọc Minh draws significant philosophical inspiration from Vietnamese scholars Nguyễn Hiến Lê and Nguyễn Duy Cần. While Nguyễn Hiến Lê represents Confucianism and a more Western approach to practical application, Nguyễn Duy Cần embodies Taoist philosophy, emphasizing natural principles and a broader perspective.

• Complementary Philosophies: He views these two schools of thought not as opposing but as complementary, like day and night, forming a complete understanding of the world.
• Taoist Principles: From Nguyễn Duy Cần, he learned about the "Dao of Heaven and Earth" and the principles of Lao Tzu and I Ching. This philosophy helps him navigate life's challenges, understand the impermanence of things, and maintain equanimity during both success and failure.
• "Tận nhân lực, tri thiên mệnh": This principle, deeply rooted in Taoist thought, guides his approach to work. He believes in exerting maximum human effort ("tận nhân lực") and then accepting the outcome as guided by destiny or natural order ("tri thiên mệnh"). He famously states, "Exert human effort, understand destiny" – doing one's best and letting nature take its course.

4. The Role of Motherhood and Continuous Learning

Lý Ngọc Minh's mother, despite being illiterate, played a crucial role in his development. Her insistence on him achieving top grades and her financial support for his early experiments were instrumental. He learned from her example that intelligence and determination can overcome a lack of formal education.

• "Học làm người": He reiterates the importance of "learning to be human" as the most fundamental lesson, emphasizing that one must first master being a person before excelling in any profession.
• The "Game" of Work: He views his work not as a burden but as a "game" to be played with full engagement. This perspective alleviates pressure and fosters a sense of enjoyment and continuous exploration.

5. Innovation in Ceramics: Pushing the Boundaries of "Impossible"

Minh Long's success is marked by groundbreaking innovations that defied conventional wisdom and even scientific skepticism.

• High-Temperature Firing and Single-Firing: A significant achievement was the development of a single-firing process at extremely high temperatures (1380°C for porcelain, and even higher in experimental stages up to 900°C for shock-resistant products). This was considered impossible by global standards, where multi-firing processes were the norm.
• Shock-Resistant Porcelain: Minh Long developed porcelain that can withstand extreme temperature shock, demonstrated by plunging a 900°C product into ice-cold water (-5°C). This innovation challenged established scientific understanding of ceramic properties.
• Magnetic Porcelain: Another remarkable invention is magnetic porcelain, a material that exhibits magnetic properties, typically associated with metals. This allows for induction heating on ceramic cookware.
• Automation: Minh Long has also achieved significant automation in its production processes, reducing firing times from days to 20-24 hours while maintaining high quality.
• Overcoming Skepticism: Lý Ngọc Minh recounts how even esteemed professors and scientists were initially skeptical of his claims, only to be convinced after witnessing the tangible results and advanced manufacturing processes at Minh Long's facilities.

6. The "Can't Be Done" Mentality: A Catalyst for Discovery

Lý Ngọc Minh's philosophy is encapsulated in the statement: "Even when you can't do it and there's no other way, there is still a way." This belief drives his relentless pursuit of solutions.

• Persistence as a Method: He argues that continuous effort and exploration will eventually reveal a solution, akin to scientific progress where new discoveries build upon previous ones.
• The Power of "Tâm" (Heart/Intention): He believes that having a genuine "tâm" (heart or intention) in one's work is rewarded by nature. This "tâm" fuels perseverance, as the motivation shifts from monetary gain to the pursuit of knowledge and higher values.

7. Minh Long's Contribution to Vietnam's International Image

Minh Long Ceramics has significantly elevated Vietnam's standing in the international ceramics industry.

• Pride in Vietnamese Craftsmanship: The brand's ability to achieve "miracles" in ceramics, such as high-temperature single-firing and magnetic porcelain, allows Vietnamese people to hold their heads high and assert that they are not inferior to any other nation in this field.
• Changing Perceptions: These achievements have demonstrably changed international perceptions of Vietnamese capabilities, showcasing innovation and technical prowess.

8. The Future of Ceramics and the Role of the Next Generation

Lý Ngọc Minh sees boundless potential for creativity and expansion in the ceramics industry. He emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, both from formal education and from the principles of nature.

• Finding a Unique Path: He advises young entrepreneurs to find their own unique path rather than simply replicating what others have done.
• The Importance of "Học Làm Người": He continues to stress the fundamental importance of learning to be human, as this forms the bedrock for all other endeavors.
• Passing the Torch: While he remains actively involved, he acknowledges the eventual need for younger generations with potentially superior talents to carry on the legacy. He views his work as a continuous exploration, a "game" that keeps him engaged and motivated.

Conclusion

Nghệ nhân Lý Ngọc Minh's story is a powerful narrative of resilience, innovation, and the profound impact of a dedicated "tâm." His journey with Minh Long Ceramics demonstrates that with unwavering perseverance, a commitment to learning, and a deep understanding of both scientific principles and life's philosophies, even the seemingly impossible can be achieved, leaving a lasting legacy and inspiring future generations.