ROYP: From Bach to Buddha, quotes that inspire our readers

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YP ReporterErnest LeungRegina Cheng
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Each week, we ask Young Post readers to share a little bit about themselves along with a quote that helps them get through life

YP ReporterErnest LeungRegina Cheng |
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Hi fellow Young Post readers! I am a socially-awkward, cheerful and sometimes idiotic Form Six student who has just finished my DSEs. Many of my friends also prepared for the DSEs this year and approached them with the same goals in mind: to strive for better grades, to get into a good university, and to lead a comfortable life. As a consequence, we neglect our interests and passions – career prospects and income seem to be the only important things in life.

Most inspiring quote:

“There’s got to be more to life than fighting for fish heads.”
Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach

In the book Jonathan Livingston Seagull, American writer Richard Bach tells the story of Jonathan, the seagull who refuses to stoop to the level of the other seagulls; to fight for fish heads unwanted by fishermen, and to learn how to steal fish from the fishermen’s boats. Jonathan refuses to believe that a seagull’s life is limited to only eating and surviving and, instead, chooses to hone his flying skills. This is an inspirational quote about the purpose of life – the importance of following your dream, as well as the fact that life isn’t just about how successful you will be in the future.

Ernest Leung (17)

Hi everyone! I’m in a rough situation where I’m trying to balance everything in my life accordingly, but often forget to care for myself. It’s been difficult to prioritise things, and I still don’t feel like I’m doing everything right.

Most inspiring quote:

“You, as much as anyone in the universe, deserve your love and affection.”
the Buddha

I know that taking care of others is important, but it’s even more important to love myself first. There isn’t a time when someone is more important to you than you.

Julia Kan (17)

Hi everybody, I spent the last 10 months 10,000 kilometres away from my home and in a completely different culture that is Hong Kong. I definitely needed some support and cheering-up during this time, especially during Christmas. Eventually, I found this in a song from one of my favourite singers, Sia.

Most inspiring quote:

“Running out of breath, but I oh, I, I got stamina.”
The Greatest by Sia

They might just be a few simple words to some, but to me, they spread so much strength and energy – two character traits I was lacking. And thus, I will take them with me as I leave Hong Kong in a few days!

Henriette Wohlschlaeger (17)

Hi there! We live in an age where questions overwhelm and answers are insufficient. We are often forced to take sides in this world. Turning 18 implies that I will be taking full responsibilities for my own actions, which I don’t think I will ever be truly ready to do.

Most inspiring quote:

“The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt.”
British philosopher and Nobel laureate, Bertrand Russell

Bertrand Russell inspired me to uphold my beliefs; to have faith in things that I believe are right. Meanwhile, I’m learning to be modest, to have an open mind, and to be aware when I show ignorance. It won’t get me through everything, but it will eventually lead me somewhere.

Regina Cheng (18)

Got some YP love to get off your chest? Share your thoughts with us! Send an email to [email protected] with “ROYP” in the subject field. Tell us a bit about yourself, your most inspiring quote and what it means to you. Send us a lovely selfie in jpg format, no smaller than 1MB. Don’t forget to include your full name, your age and a phone number (in case we have any questions), and you, too, could be radiating #goals.

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