The Miraculous Number 7
Beliefs and Symbolism
Many Vietnamese believe in the significance of feng shui and numbers, with the number 7 symbolizing creativity and breakthrough. From the seven life forces, seven-day weeks, Buddha’s seven steps with each step blooming seven lotus flowers, to 49 days, the number 7 always carries a special energy.
Number 7 in Life and Sports
The number 7 appears in various aspects of life and sports. In handball, there are seven players per team, competing for 30 minutes to score goals. In the book market, bestsellers like “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” and “The 7 Secrets of Success of Young Millionaires” also highlight the number 7.
Psychology professor George Miller discovered that human short-term memory consists of about seven elements, known as “The Magical Number 7.” In feng shui, seven swords (Thất Kiếm) are used to ward off evil spirits, and arranging seven items in the home is said to create mysterious power.
In basic mathematics, 999,999 divided by 7 is exactly 142,857. The Clay Mathematics Institute offers a prize for solving one of the seven most challenging mathematical problems, and Professor Ngô Bảo Châu received this award in 2008.
Number 7 in Literature and Art
The number 7 also appears in literature and art, from the seven basic art forms to the seven musical notes creating various genres of music. In literature, there are stories like “The 7 Voyages of Sinbad” and the fairy tale “Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs.”
Number 7 in Physics
Greek philosopher Aristotle and Renaissance art recognized seven basic colors. Scientist Isaac Newton also defined the rainbow with seven colors: Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, and Violet.
The Miraculous Number 7 in the Life of Bach Thai Buoi
Fateful Birth and Death Month
Bach Thai Buoi was born and died in July, his birth and death both carrying the significant number 7.
Starting with Number 7
Starting with nothing, Bach Thai Buoi founded a transportation company in 1909, initially with a fleet of three ships, then seven, symbolizing a promising beginning.
Seven Business Principles
Bach Thai Buoi was known for seven business principles:
Honesty
Determination
Creativity
Dedication
Discipline
Respect
Sharing
Overcoming Challenges Seven Times
Throughout his career, he faced and overcame major challenges seven times.
The Legendary Fleet of Seven Ships
Although his fleet did not remain at seven, he always kept the first seven ships as a memory.
Seven Major Projects
He undertook seven major projects, each groundbreaking and contributing to the transportation industry.
Seven Teachings for Posterity
At the end of his life, he left seven teachings:
Live ethically
Persevere in work
Be creative and keep learning
Unite and support each other
Put community interests first
Always respect partners and customers
Maintain faith and passion for the profession
Conclusion
On the 150th anniversary of Bach Thai Buoi’s birth, we remember him with gratitude and respect. His life and career clearly illustrate the magic of the number 7. Bach Thai Buoi was not only a successful businessman but also a shining example of willpower, determination, and perseverance, leaving valuable legacies for future generations.
