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Parenting Quote by Josip Novakovich

“MY FATHER TRIED IT. In Daruvar, Croatia, he bought a piano, sat my oldest brother at it, and hired a teacher. Whenever Vlado made a mistake, the teacher caned his fingers. After a few such lessons, Vlado skipped one; the teacher complained and wanted his money. Vlado said he was beaten; the…” quote by Josip Novakovich
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““MY FATHER TRIED IT. In Daruvar, Croatia, he bought a piano, sat my oldest brother at it, and hired a teacher. Whenever Vlado made a mistake, the teacher caned his fingers. After a few such lessons, Vlado skipped one; the teacher complained and wanted his money. Vlado said he was beaten; the teacher denied it. Father believed the teacher, and beat Vlado for maligning such a gentleman. After that, Vlado made sure not to play the piano again. Father attempted to persuade him a few times with the belt and a stick, which only confirmed Vlado’s impression of the piano as the black instrument of torture.””

Josip Novakovich

About This Quote

A harrowing account of a father's misguided discipline that turns a cultural pursuit into a source of trauma and fear.

In simple terms: Abuse corrupts artistic expression

Key Takeaway

Violence can scar cultural heritage

Themes

family abuse cultural loss trauma power dynamics

Mood

sad angry reflective

Type

narrative testimonial

When to use this quote

  • parent‑child conflict
  • musical education
  • intergenerational trauma

Key Concepts

discipline inheritance

Practical Applications

  • advocacy for safe teaching
  • psychological counseling

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does violence reshape perception of art?
  • What safeguards protect children in cultural learning?
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