"You must work hard to have a successful future!" This phrase is undoubtedly familiar to everyone.
From early childhood, our elders have been constantly instilling values and correcting our behaviors. Once we enter school, this responsibility is passed on to schools, teachers, and a self-righteous society.
I cannot deny that education plays a vital role in a child's growth; however, many current educational methods and societal ideologies fall far short of expectations.
Therefore, I have always harbored doubts about this thoughtless command to "be successful."
When I once asked readers what their greatest anxieties and uncertainties were as only children, I received a vast number of responses. Many friends mentioned the immense pressure they carry—pressure that stems from parental demands and societal expectations.
These expectations, some subtle and some forceful, wrap around them in various ways. In a sense, this pressure stifles a child's ability to make independent choices and develop freely.
What I have always wanted to ask these parents is: what does it actually mean to be successful?