A generous author who donates all proceeds from his writing to charity, Bin Rath was born and raised in Takeo province’s Samrong district. Among eight siblings, he is the only one in the family who had the opportunity to pursue a Bachelor’s degree.
Two years after he finished high school, Rath pursued a Bachelor’s degree in international relations at the Royal University of Law and Economics (RULE), and followed it with a Master’s degree in international law.
As a person who enjoys listening to and sharing the life experiences of others, especially through books like biographies or works on sociology, he began to write himself. All his books are simple and easy to understand, and suitable for beginner readers.
“I write for two groups of people. The first are those who have never read a book or do not like to read. The second is those who are considering dropping out of school. If one of my works attracts someone who was not previously a reader, I consider it my greatest success,” said Rath.
His first book, titled Happy Past or Childhood Memories, discusses the early, carefree stages of life.
This book illustrates that happiness can be found long before thoughts of money enter a person’s head. It describes the simple pleasure that can be found in unity with the community, from transplanting rice to carrying houses, basic activities that build a sense of belonging, and cost nothing. It explores the contrast of these feelings with the material world that we all grow into.
His second work, Life Story, attempts to describe one of the most challenging periods of an adult’s life – middle age. This is when decisions have real consequences and when we become responsible for others. Rath attempts to suggest solutions for real life problems, and ties them back to earlier choices.
The third book in the series, Afternoon, tries to capture the mindset of the elderly, and asks how the reader intends to look back at their own life.
“Part of my happiness comes from seeing children go to school and youth continue their education. Part of my life’s mission is to do something that motivates them to continue their education,” he said.
Through his work, he is trying to make young people understand that education is the bridge that will help them to cross the swirling waters of ignorance.
“I have a firm belief that knowledge will change people’s lives, and through them their families, and wider society.
“Every man, women and child should strive to be a life-time learner. When I refer to studying, I am not merely talking about a formal education.
“We should always be learning, whether from our work, from the people around us – or from the books we read,” he said.
