Cooking and eating play an extremely important role in Vietnamese culture.

"This one will set in motion a project that may transform Vietnamese culture."

He published more than 30 books on Vietnamese culture and philosophy from 1963 until his death.

But he spends increasing effort trying to preserve Vietnamese culture as a way to keep students out of trouble.

"Essentially we did not understand the Vietnamese culture," he told me.

Their goals also changed to maintaining Vietnamese culture for later generations.

"You seem determined to convince me that Vietnamese culture is a secret code."

"In Vietnamese culture, they call it loss of face," he said.

Along with obligations to clan and family, education has always played a vital role in Vietnamese culture.

In addition he is celebrated in Vietnamese culture as well.