Isabel > Isabel's Quotes

“A man with outward courage dares to die; a man with inner courage dares to live.”
― Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching

“Do you know what a foreign accent is? It's a sign of bravery.”
― Amy Chua, Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother

“Nothing is fun until you're good at it.”
― Amy Chua, Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother

“Western parents worry a lot about their children's self-esteem. But as a parent, one of the worst things you can do for your child's self-esteem is to let them give up. On the flip side, there's nothing better for building confidence than learning you can do something you thought you couldn't.”
― Amy Chua, Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother

“But just because you love something, I added to myself, doesn't mean you'll ever be great. Not if you don't work. Most people stink at the things they love.”
― Amy Chua, Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother

“Western parents try to respect their children’s individuality, encouraging them to pursue their true passions, supporting their choices, and providing positive reinforcement and a nurturing environment. By contrast, the Chinese believe that the best way to protect their children is by preparing them for the future, letting them see what they’re capable of, and arming them with skills, work habits, and inner confidence that no one can ever take away.”
― Amy Chua, Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother

“The fact is that Chinese parents can do things that would seem unimaginable-even legally actionable-to Westerners. Chinese mothers can say to their daughters, "Hey fatty-lose some weight." By contrast, Western parents have to tiptoe around the issue, talking in terms of "health" and never ever mentioning the f-word, and their kids still end up in therapy for eating disorders and negative self image.”
― Amy Chua, Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother

“Be modest, be humble, be simple.Make sure you come in first so that you have something to be humble about.”
― Amy Chua, Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother

“The truth is I'm not good at enjoying life.”
― Amy Chua, Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother

“What Chinese parents understand is that nothing is fun until you're good at it.”
― Amy Chua, Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother

“Do you know what a foreign accent is? It’s a sign of bravery. Those are people who crossed an ocean to come to this country.”
― Amy Chua, Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother

“A life that doesn’t include hard-won accomplishment and triumph over obstacles may not be a satisfying one. There is something deeply fulfilling — even thrilling — in doing almost anything difficult extremely well. There is a joy and pride that come from pushing yourself to another level or across a new frontier. A life devoted only to the present — to feeling good in the now — is unlikely to deliver real fulfillment. The present moment by itself it too small, too hollow. We all need a future. Something beyond and greater than our own present gratification, at which to aim or feel we’ve contributed.”
― Amy Chua, The Triple Package: How Three Unlikely Traits Explain the Rise and Fall of Cultural Groups in America

“Because come to think of it, I think those were great choices we made too, even though all those people worried that you and Sophia would be permanently damaged psychologically. And you know, the more i think about it, the madder I am getting. All these Western parents with the same party line about what's good for children and what's not-I am not sure that they are making choices at all. They just do what every one else does. They are not questioning anything either, which is what Westerners are supposed to be so good at doing. They just keep repeating things like "You have to give your children the freedom to pursue their passion" when it is obvious that the "passion" is just going to be Facebook for ten hours which is a total waste of time and eating all that disgusting junk food - I am telling you this country is going to go straight downhill.”
― Amy Chua