How books can open your mind | Lisa Bu

Summary

The speaker recounts their childhood dream of becoming a Chinese opera singer, thwarted by parental expectations and societal norms. They found solace and guidance in books, which led them to the U.S. and a new perspective on life. They discovered the power of comparative reading across cultures and languages, which enriched their understanding and helped them redefine their relationship with their parents. Books provided a 'magic portal' to connect with people across time, transforming their life with renewed purpose and happiness.

Takeaways

• 🏆 The speaker's early life involved a gymnastics opportunity in Hunan, China, but was discouraged by her 'tiger mother' who wanted her to become an engineer.
• 🎭 Despite her parents' wishes, the speaker's dream was to become a Chinese opera singer, showcasing her passion for the arts.
• 📚 The speaker's pursuit of her dream was met with resistance from adults, highlighting the challenges of following one's aspirations in a traditional society.
• 🌏 A pivotal moment in the speaker's life was moving to the U.S. in 1995, where she was exposed to literature banned in China, broadening her worldview.
• 📖 The speaker discovered the power of comparative reading, which provided insights into different cultures and perspectives.
• 🔑 The fifth commandment from the Bible, 'You shall honor your father and mother,' became a tool for the speaker to redefine her relationship with her parents.
• 🌐 The speaker's experience with maps and literature challenged her preconceived notions, showing that perspectives can be shaped by the media we consume.
• 📚 Books provided a 'magic portal' for the speaker to connect with people across time and cultures, alleviating feelings of loneliness and powerlessness.
• 💡 The speaker's journey with books led her to understand that the purpose of dreams is not only to be achieved but also to connect us with our passions and sources of happiness.
• 🌟 The speaker concludes that even shattered dreams can serve a purpose, and books have been instrumental in her finding happiness and a sense of purpose.

Q & A

What was the government's initial plan for the speaker during their childhood?

The government wanted to transfer the speaker to a school for athletes with all expenses paid.

Why did the speaker's mother reject the government's plan?

The speaker's 'tiger mother' said no because the speaker's parents wanted them to become an engineer like them, believing a safe and well-paid job is the only sure way to happiness.

What was the speaker's dream that was not supported by adults?

The speaker's dream was to become a Chinese opera singer.

How did the speaker try to pursue their dream of becoming an opera singer?

The speaker tried everything they could, including writing to the school principal and the host of a radio show.

At what age did the speaker realize they were too old to be trained as an opera singer?

The speaker realized they were too old to be trained at age 15.

What did the speaker turn to when they found no one around to teach them?

The speaker turned to books to satisfy their hunger for parental advice and knowledge.

Which book helped the speaker find their role model of an independent woman?

The book 'Jane Eyre' helped the speaker find their role model of an independent woman.

What commandment from the Bible gave the speaker an epiphany about their relationship with their parents?

The fifth commandment, 'You shall honor your father and mother,' gave the speaker an epiphany.

How did the speaker's perspective on maps change after encountering a new culture?

The speaker realized that a map carries somebody's view and that China doesn't have to be at the center of the world.

What is the significance of comparative reading for the speaker?

Comparative reading offers the speaker many insights and a more complete understanding of topics, which they apply to both academic research and daily life.

How does the speaker use translation to enhance their understanding of concepts?

The speaker uses translation to realize the literal meanings of words in Chinese, such as 'happiness' meaning 'fast joy' and 'bride' meaning 'new mother,' which provides a deeper understanding of the concepts.

What is the speaker's ultimate belief about the purpose of dreams?

The speaker believes that the most important purpose of a dream is to get us in touch with where dreams, passion, and happiness come from, even if the dream does not come true.