Gladness as an Act of Resistance
To be glad, to be full of life in a world that often wants to crush you — that is an act of rebellion.
Ocean Vuong
Vietnamese-American poet and novelist exploring family trauma and identity, author of On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous
All moments: Ocean Vuong
- A Life Worth Living — Ocean Vuong
Every day I choose life. Not because it's always easy, but because life is worth the choice.
- Between Two Worlds — Ocean Vuong
I'm not quite Vietnamese, I'm not quite American. I'm something in between, and that gives me a unique view of both cultures.
- Hope Demands Courage — Ocean Vuong
Hope is not naive. It's the most courageous choice you can make when the world tells you there is none.
- Language as Home — Ocean Vuong
Language is your first home. It gives you a place to be. For me, English was salvation because it gave me a voice when I had lost one.
- Writing as Healing — Ocean Vuong
When I write, I speak about pain, but I also describe the beauty that coexists with that pain. Life is not black and white.
- Kindness as Rescue — Ocean Vuong
I came into this life with suffering in my body. But I also came with love. And that love saved my life.
Related moments
- Alien Artist — David Bowie
I never tried to fit in. I prefer to be myself, even if it's alien.
- Compromise and Conscience — Bob Dylan
I'll never sell my soul for money or fame. It's my only true asset.
- Childhood - Where It All Starts — Michael Jackson
Childhood is where it all starts. If we lose childhood, we lose everything.
- Faith Moves Mountains — John Legend
Faith, hope and love are the three pillars of my life
- Heal the World — Michael Jackson
All I wanna do is heal the world. Make it better for our children.
- Give Peace a Chance — John Lennon
People ask why I talk about peace and love. It's the only way I see forward.